The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called on the Nigerian government to provide compensation to the victims of recent attacks in Plateau State, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira. The group has condemned the senseless killings, which occurred in Bokkos Local Government Area, and stressed the need for justice, as well as comprehensive security reforms across the nation.
In a statement issued by the President General of the AYCF, Yerima Shettima, the group described the attacks as an alarming violation of human rights and a stark reminder of the escalating security challenges facing various parts of Nigeria. The forum has demanded swift action from the government to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further violence from destabilizing the region.
The latest attacks in Bokkos have left families devastated, and the destruction of homes and farmland has compounded the suffering of survivors. With many families losing their loved ones and livelihoods, the AYCF is calling on both the state and federal governments to respond with urgency.
In the wake of the violence, the AYCF is not only seeking justice but also advocating for financial compensation for the families of the victims. While acknowledging that no amount of money can fully replace the lives lost or heal the emotional wounds caused by such violence, the group emphasized the importance of providing financial aid to help the survivors rebuild their lives.
The statement urged the government to establish a dedicated fund to support the victims of the Plateau attacks. This fund, the group suggested, should cover medical expenses for the injured, psychological support for those affected by trauma, and financial compensation for the families who have lost loved ones.
According to Shettima, the victims of the Bokkos attacks are entitled to support from the government to help them recover from the devastation. He called on the Nigerian government to act with compassion and accountability, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of all Nigerian citizens.
“We at AYCF express our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and the affected communities who have suffered irreparable losses. The pain and trauma caused by such violence cannot be understated,” Shettima said in the statement. “This is a call for compassion, accountability, and a collective commitment to ensuring that such atrocities do not continue to plague our nation.”
The call for compensation comes at a time when insecurity is a growing concern across Nigeria, particularly in regions like Plateau State, which has faced repeated violence and unrest. The attacks in Bokkos are part of a wider pattern of violence that has gripped several parts of the country in recent years.
The AYCF believes that the root causes of insecurity need to be addressed through comprehensive security reforms, which should include improvements in law enforcement, better intelligence gathering, and enhanced collaboration between the state and federal governments.
The forum also called for the government to enhance efforts in tackling the growing number of militia groups and armed bandits operating across the country, which have become a significant threat to peaceful communities. Shettima pointed out that the failure to address the security challenges facing Nigeria has allowed criminals to operate with impunity, leading to more senseless killings and the displacement of innocent citizens.
While acknowledging that the government has made some efforts to combat insecurity, the AYCF believes that these measures have been insufficient and must be intensified to ensure the safety of Nigerians, especially in regions that have borne the brunt of violence.
“The pain and trauma caused by such violence cannot be overstated, and it is a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms,” Shettima stated.
In addition to calling for compensation and improved security measures, the AYCF also extended its condolences to the people and government of Plateau State. Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau have been left reeling from the attacks, which have shaken the entire state. The AYCF commiserated with them, acknowledging the senselessness of the bloodshed and reaffirming its solidarity with the victims.
“The AYCF commiserates with the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and the entire people of the state over what it described as yet another senseless bloodshed,” the statement read.
The youth group also emphasized the need for unity in the face of such challenges, calling for a collective effort to end the cycle of violence that continues to plague Plateau and other states across Nigeria. It called on all Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious background, to come together and work towards building a peaceful, secure nation.
As the government of Plateau State and the federal government begin to address the immediate aftermath of the killings, the AYCF’s demands for justice and compensation will likely become a focal point for discussions about how to handle the aftermath of the violence. The government’s response to the forum’s demands will be closely watched by the people of Plateau State and other affected regions.
In the meantime, the situation in Plateau State remains tense, with many residents still fearful for their safety. Communities in the region are grappling with the emotional and psychological scars left by the violence, and many are uncertain about their future in the face of ongoing insecurity.
The AYCF has pledged to continue advocating for the victims of the Bokkos attacks and other victims of violence across Nigeria. It has also called for sustained pressure on the government to ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice and that the survivors receive the support they need to recover.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Plateau State and all victims of violence, and we demand action that prioritizes the safety and dignity of every Nigerian citizen,” Shettima concluded.
