Tinubu Launches Offensive After 51 Killed in Latest Plateau Attack
Tinubu Launches Offensive After 51 Killed in Latest Plateau Attack
President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong condemnation of the recent violence in Plateau State, emphasizing the need for state leadership to seek a permanent resolution to ongoing communal conflicts.
This statement follows another tragic incident in which at least 51 individuals were killed by armed assailants early Monday morning in the Zikke and Kakpa communities within the Bassa Local Government Area. This violence erupted just two weeks after deadly clashes in another region of the state resulted in numerous fatalities.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency, last week saw at least 52 people killed and nearly 2,000 displaced due to a series of violent attacks in Plateau, a region historically marked by tensions between farmers and cattle herders.
Local residents reported the recovery of 51 bodies from the Zikke and Kimakpa villages in Bassa District, with several others sustaining injuries. The motivations behind the latest assault remain unclear at this time.
In a statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the bloodshed and extended condolences to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau. He stated, “We cannot continue to allow this cycle of devastation and tit-for-tat attacks to persist. It is time to put an end to this violence.”
The President highlighted that the ongoing strife in Plateau State stems from long-standing ethnic and religious misunderstandings. He urged Governor Mutfwang to take decisive political action to resolve these deep-rooted issues and work towards establishing lasting peace.
“Beyond addressing the criminal elements behind these continuous killings, political leadership, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, must confront the fundamental causes of this enduring conflict. These issues have plagued us for over two decades, and it is time we address them directly and fairly,” Tinubu remarked.
He underscored the necessity of promoting unity and harmony among diverse ethnic and religious groups. Additionally, Tinubu called on leaders—both local and beyond—to collaborate in breaking the cycle of retaliatory violence affecting the communities.
“I have directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this crisis and identify those accountable for these violent acts,” he added.
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Plateau State in creating dialogue, enhancing social cohesion, and ensuring accountability as foundational steps towards a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
In related news, community youth leader Joseph Chudu confirmed that the attack, which began around midnight on Monday, saw a large group of assailants invade the area, firing weapons and setting homes ablaze.
