The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has strongly condemned the recent attacks on several communities in Plateau State, describing them as senseless acts of violence that have claimed innocent lives and left many injured. The attacks targeted the villages of Ruwi, Manguna, Daffo, Josho, and Hurti in the Bokkos Local Government Area of the state, mostly affecting women and children.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who is the chairman of the NSGF, expressed deep sorrow over the brutal assault on these communities. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli, on Saturday, Governor Yahaya emphasized that such violent acts are a threat to the peace, unity, and stability of the entire northern region of Nigeria.
The attacks, which have been described as senseless, occurred in the wake of growing security concerns in rural areas of northern Nigeria. These incidents highlight the persistent insecurity that has affected many regions in the north, where innocent lives are being lost in attacks that often appear to target vulnerable communities, including women and children.
Governor Yahaya expressed his deep sympathy with the families of the victims and the people of Plateau State, who have been left to grapple with the consequences of the attack. According to reports, several lives were lost in the attacks, and many others were injured, with women and children bearing the brunt of the violence. The NSGF Chairman described the shedding of innocent blood as a stain on the conscience of the region and the nation.
He called on all Nigerians to condemn such attacks, emphasizing that no matter the reasons behind these senseless killings, the sanctity of human life must always be respected. “The sanctity of human life must never be taken for granted. These heinous attacks on innocent people are totally unacceptable and must be condemned by all,” Governor Yahaya said.
The attacks have sparked widespread outrage and fear across the affected communities. It is believed that these types of violent acts are part of a larger trend of insecurity that has been growing in northern Nigeria in recent years. Many residents have called for more government action to address the underlying causes of the violence, which they say stem from various factors, including disputes over land, competition for resources, and ethnic tensions.
Governor Yahaya commended the swift response by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and the state’s security agencies. He praised their proactive measures in addressing the aftermath of the attacks and restoring calm to the affected areas. The quick intervention by security forces is seen as a crucial factor in preventing further bloodshed and ensuring the safety of the remaining residents of the affected communities.
However, while acknowledging the efforts of the security forces, Governor Yahaya called for more rigorous action to be taken in apprehending and bringing the perpetrators to justice. He urged law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts in tracking down those responsible for the attacks and ensuring that they face the full weight of the law.
“The attacks have left behind a trail of devastation, and it is critical that the security forces do everything within their power to ensure that those behind this violence are brought to justice,” Yahaya said. The Governor also reiterated the importance of strengthening security measures in the region, especially in rural communities that have become increasingly vulnerable to attacks.
In addition to calling for stronger security measures, Governor Yahaya stressed the need for peacebuilding and fostering mutual understanding among the diverse communities in the region. The attacks in Plateau State have underscored the urgency of finding lasting solutions to the tensions between farmers and herders, which often escalate into violent conflicts.
Governor Yahaya highlighted that the role of community leaders, religious groups, and civil society organizations is essential in promoting peace, tolerance, and forgiveness among residents. He urged these groups to support government efforts by preaching unity and fostering peaceful coexistence between the different communities.
“We must all work together to promote dialogue and understanding among our people. This is the only way to end the cycle of violence and ensure that peace prevails in our communities,” the NSGF Chairman emphasized. He also pointed out that no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere filled with fear and violence, urging all stakeholders to put efforts into restoring peace in the region.
The Northern Governors’ Forum has reiterated its commitment to working collectively to address the escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria. Governor Yahaya stressed that the NSGF is determined to take deliberate steps to end the cycle of violence and to implement policies that promote peace, unity, and social cohesion across the northern region.
“We will continue to take deliberate steps to end this cycle of violence by strengthening security collaboration, promoting dialogue, and implementing policies that encourage peace and unity,” Governor Yahaya said.
The recent attacks in Plateau State, which have further exacerbated the insecurity in northern Nigeria, point to the need for comprehensive solutions that address both the symptoms and root causes of violence in the region. While security measures are essential to combat violence, there is also a need for long-term strategies to address the underlying causes of conflict, such as resource scarcity, ethnic tensions, and disputes over land use.
As the violence continues to affect rural communities across the north, there is a growing recognition that the security situation cannot be resolved through military means alone. Local communities, civil society groups, and religious leaders must also play an active role in promoting peace and understanding.
Governor Yahaya’s call for unity and collaboration underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to resolving the security challenges facing northern Nigeria. In addition to increasing military and police presence in vulnerable areas, there must be concerted efforts to build trust and foster cooperation between different communities, particularly between farmers and herders, who have historically been at the center of many conflicts.
