President Bola Tinubu and the House of Representatives have strongly condemned the recent deadly attacks in Plateau State, where several lives were lost, and many homes were destroyed in Bokkos Local Government Area. The massacre has sparked nationwide outrage, with both government and security agencies promising swift action to bring the attackers to justice.
The attacks, which targeted several communities in Bokkos, including Ruwi, Hurti, Tadai, Manguna, Dafo, and Josho, were reportedly carried out by gunmen. These coordinated assaults have left a trail of devastation, with numerous lives lost, properties destroyed, and many residents displaced. The violence has also created widespread fear and insecurity among the locals.
Eyewitnesses described the horrific scenes, where attackers stormed homes, killing residents and setting houses ablaze. The scale of the destruction has left entire communities in ruins, with survivors struggling to rebuild their lives amid ongoing insecurity in the region.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, calling the killings “unacceptable and inhumane.” The president vowed that the perpetrators would not go unpunished.
“These attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable,” Tinubu said. “I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended.”
The president also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Plateau State, and the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang. Tinubu called on the residents of the affected areas to assist law enforcement by providing credible intelligence that could lead to the apprehension of the attackers.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families. No community should have to endure such tragedy,” the president said. “We must all unite to foster peace and reject retaliation.”
As part of his administration’s immediate response to the tragedy, President Tinubu ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to collaborate with Plateau State authorities to provide relief materials, including food, water, and medical supplies, to the affected communities. The president emphasized that his administration remains committed to restoring peace and stability across the country, adding that such acts of violence must never be normalized.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, also expressed his outrage over the Bokkos massacre. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Speaker Abbas described the killings as “senseless and barbaric” and called for swift action from security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This incident is one too many. Our people have suffered enough. The wanton killings, injuries, and destruction must stop,” Speaker Abbas said. “We cannot continue to live in fear. The government must take decisive steps to stop the violence.”
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Plateau State. The Speaker also urged security agencies to speed up investigations and ensure that those responsible for the massacre are arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“We cannot allow the lives of our citizens to be treated as expendable,” he warned. “Impunity must not be allowed to persist. We must ensure that those who commit such heinous crimes face justice.”
Both the executive and legislative arms of government have expressed a shared determination to confront the ongoing violence in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria. The Bokkos massacre has once again brought the issue of security to the forefront of national discourse, with calls for stronger government action to restore peace in troubled regions.
Since President Tinubu assumed office, his administration has faced significant challenges in curbing rising violence in different parts of the country. The Plateau attacks are just one of many recent incidents that highlight the growing insecurity that Nigerians are grappling with, especially in the northern and middle-belt regions.
The president’s promise of justice for the victims of the Bokkos massacre has been met with both hope and skepticism. While many Nigerians have expressed confidence that the government will take swift action, others remain doubtful due to the long-standing issues of impunity and delayed justice in previous cases.
Plateau State, which has been a hotspot for violent conflicts in recent years, has witnessed several incidents of ethnic and religious violence. The state’s central location in Nigeria’s middle-belt has made it vulnerable to attacks from armed groups, and the recent Bokkos massacre is a grim reminder of the continuing insecurity in the region.
In addition to ethnic violence, Plateau has also experienced the devastating impact of herder-farmer clashes, which have led to the displacement of thousands of people and the destruction of homes and farmlands. The situation in Bokkos is compounded by these ongoing conflicts, leaving communities in a constant state of fear and uncertainty.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called for more support from the federal government to address the security challenges facing the state. He has also appealed to the people of Plateau to remain calm and cooperate with security forces as efforts are made to track down the perpetrators.
The strong condemnation of the Bokkos massacre by both President Tinubu and Speaker Abbas is seen as a positive step toward addressing the widespread violence affecting Plateau and other parts of the country. The coordinated responses from the executive and legislature signal a renewed resolve to confront violent extremism and restore peace in Nigeria’s troubled regions.
As the investigation into the Bokkos massacre continues, Nigerians are hopeful that the government’s promises of justice and support for the victims will be realized. The country’s fragile security situation remains a critical issue, but many are optimistic that concerted efforts from all levels of government can bring an end to the cycle of violence and provide lasting peace for the people of Plateau State and beyond.
