By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A group known as Tattaaunawa Roundtable Initiative (TRICentre) has condemned the killing of inhabitants of the Mangu Local Government of Plateau State on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, describing it as one too many.
In a statement on Thursday, the organisation further described the action as a senseless act of violence, calling on the government to take urgent steps to bring those behind the killing to book.
More than four scores of people were slain in the early morning attack, which has left survivors in immeasurable pain and suffering.
It was gathered that the killings went on for hours, with several communities in the area targeted by the attackers, who also set houses ablaze and shot indiscriminately at people.
While the government of Plateau state has condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms and has vowed to take decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Governor Simon Lalong has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and has assured the people of Plateau state that his administration would do everything in its power to prevent such senseless violence from happening again.
“We are aware that the Plateau State Police Command has also deployed additional personnel to the affected areas to provide security and maintain law and order.
“The Command has urged the people of Plateau state to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as they work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
“While this is commendable, we believe that this should go beyond rhetoric and that months after this, we want to get updates,” TRICentre said in the statement.
The group called on all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities, appealing to community leaders and other stakeholders to work together to promote peace and unity in the state.
“The killings in Mangu Local Government of Plateau state are a tragic reminder of the need for all Nigerians to come together to address the root causes of violence and insecurity in our country. We must work together to build a society where every citizen can live in peace, security, and dignity.
“The killings in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State are a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to tackle,” it said.
TRICentre has called on the government to improve security in the affected areas and initiate dialogue and reconciliation efforts among the different ethnic and religious groups in the affected areas.
The organisation further charged the government to promote economic empowerment programs that will provide employment opportunities and boost economic growth in the affected areas, adding that promoting education would promote tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity among the different ethnic and religious groups in the affected areas.
Adedapo Adesanya