Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, has condemned the attacks on Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas in Plateau State.
In a statement on Sunday, Obi, who described the attacks as “regrettable,” noted that “these sustained waves of attacks in Plateau State and in every part of the nation have continued to distress every well-meaning Nigerian.”
Chronicle NG reports that no fewer than 18 people lost their lives as gunmen renewed attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Friday, claiming about 18 lives.
The gunmen attacked the Tilengpan community in the Mangu Local Government area of the state, killing 12 people, with an additional six people murdered in four Bokkos communities, along with a university student, last night.
While urging the federal government to take decisive steps to end the menace of these wanton killings, Obi decried how low human lives have descended in Nigeria.
Obi’s statement reads, “Regrettably again, the media is awash with reports of violent attacks in Mangu and Bokkos Local Council Areas of Plateau State, where no fewer than 12 lives were lost, including a student of Plateau State University, in the Bokkos area of the state, with many sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
“These sustained waves of attacks in Plateau State and in every part of the nation have continued to distress every well-meaning Nigerian.
“It was also reported that Plateau State University was just shut down due to a heightened level of insecurity in the area. And I ask, for how long shall we bear this burden of insecurity before we take deliberate, calculated measures to end the menace?
“How far lower should the value of human life descend before we, the leaders, begin to frown at the wanton loss of lives in our nation?
“I commiserate, once again, with the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the good people of Plateau State, over these sad incidents.
“My heart goes out to families in Plateau and other parts of the country who have lost their loved ones to insecurity in our nation.
“No matter how dark the night is, we must remain united and optimistic in our struggle for a more peaceful and secure Nigeria in which every Nigerian will feel free to live and thrive. May God grant eternal rest to the dead.
