The Plateau Humanitarian Vanguard (PHV) has called on the authorities to ensure that those involved in the murder of the citizenry in the state are made to face the full wrath of the law.
PHV in a statement by Comrade Jonah Pam called on the security agencies, especially the military, should live above board and get the perpetrators to pay for the heinous crime.
No fewer than 200 people were killed by marauding gunmen in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State on Christmas eve.
The group described the unfortunate incidence as a genocide against the citizens of Plateau State that must not be allowed to go unpunished.
The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, for swiftly coming to the aid of the affected communities in the recent attacks in Plateau State.
The group noted that such humanitarian interventions, in the face of hunger and displeasure caused by the attacks, may though not compensate for the lost lives, but “can give the people the sense of belonging and ameliorate the momentous pains occasioned by the unfortunate attacks.”
The group stated that the timely response of the federal government through the Humanitarian Affairs Minister, has given the people hope in the Asiwaju administration.
“This quick humanitarian interventions mean a lot to the people. Alot is already happening to the displaced people already and we definitely believe that any little support from government, individuals and organisations would go a long way to cushion the pains,” it noted.
“We believe that no amount of humanitarian interventions can bring back our loved ones; but we also know this is not the first of such attacks in the past. What we normally get from the government at the central is a well crafted and rehearsed press statement, condemning the attack. And it ends there.
“At least, the coming of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu as President of Nigeria has shown them how things should be done in this situation.”
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu, had in a condolence message to the people of Plateau after the attack, said government would mobilize immediate support to affected communities.
A statement by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, on the 28th December, 2023, also quoted the President as directing the “Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and other relevant agencies to work with the Plateau State Government to deliver immediate humanitarian relief to the affected communities”.
Consequently, Dr. Edu caused distributions of food and non-food relief materials to the victims of the attacks in Plateau State yesterday.
The Minister who also visited affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area with her counterpart from the Ministry of Defence and Service Chiefs was on the ground to coordinate Humanitarian Responses as directed by President Tinubu.
