The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has faulted the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, for what it described as his lackadaisical and inadequate approach to addressing the ongoing violence in Plateau State.
In a press statement yesterday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence, particularly the Christmas Eve attacks on over 20 communities in the Barkin-Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos areas.
The rights group criticised the CDS’ response, especially the deployment of a Special Fact-Finding Team led by retired Major-General Augustine Agundu to investigate the root causes of the attacks.
While acknowledging the military’s commitment to restoring peace in the area, HURIWA contended that the approach falls short of the decisive action required to apprehend the sponsors and perpetrators of the heinous acts.
It raised questions about the accountability and effectiveness of key security figures, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Commissioner of Police in Plateau state.
“Gunmen wreaked havoc as they brazenly attacked Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat, and Butura Kampani villages in the Barkin-Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos areas of Plateau State. Residents were left defenceless, enduring continuous shootings and the burning of houses for over 48 hours during the onslaught.
“However, instead of employing intelligence to identify and apprehend the perpetrators swiftly, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, opted for a different approach. The decision to set up a Special Fact-Finding Team led by retired Major-General Augustine Agundu is rather a move politicising terrorism.
“We deem the team’s visit to the governor as an inadequate response to the gravity of the situation, focusing on preaching religious tolerance and peace rather than taking concrete actions to address the crisis.
“We strongly advocate for a more decisive and strategic approach by the CDS to unmask the culprits behind the Christmas Eve carnage in Plateau State. Sending a team to engage in diplomatic activities is inappropriate for the military. We call for a shift towards measures that actively contribute to ending the violence,” HURIWA stated.
The group insisted that individuals responsible for the security lapses, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, should be subjected to thorough investigations.
It underscored the importance of accountability as a fundamental aspect of governance, urging the CDS to overhaul the current strategy to prevent future occurrences.
It emphasised that if those entrusted with security responsibilities failed to act while terrorists unleashed havoc, they must be held accountable, adding that accountability forms the bedrock of effective governance.
