In light of the recent surge in violence in Plateau and Benue states, which has resulted in the loss of over 100 lives in the past weeks, Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to visit Plateau State today (Monday) as part of federal initiatives aimed at curbing the ongoing attacks and promoting enduring peace.
The visit comes just days after gunmen opened fire on the Bokkos and Bassa communities in Plateau, causing popular anger and intensifying calls for immediate government intervention.
Confirming the Vice President’s visit, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, said during a tour of impacted areas in Bassa on Saturday that Shettima’s visit was directed by President Bola Tinubu personally.
“Mr President is deeply concerned about these killings. That is why the National Security Adviser was here last week, and now the Vice President is coming to engage stakeholders directly,” Yilwatda stated.
During his visit, Shettima is anticipated to hold a meeting with key stakeholders focused on improving security coordination and reinforcing local peace initiatives.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, visited the communities with senior military commanders, including Maj. Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, and assured residents of the Federal Government’s dedication to justice and security.
“We are investigating seriously. We are on the trail of the perpetrators, and, by God’s grace, they will be brought to justice,” Badaru said.
“Support programmes for victims, especially widows, have also been launched, and more help will come to ease their pain,” he added.
The Plateau Youth Council, Northern Zone, condemned the attacks as deliberate and genocidal, rather than communal clashes as claimed by federal officials.
Speaking to journalists in Jos, PYC Northern Coordinator Samson Chiroma said, “These are not random clashes.
“These are systematic attempts to displace our people, coinciding with the beginning of the wet farming season. This is genocide, plain and simple.”
Chiroma accused Fulani militias of carrying out the deadly attacks and faulted the Federal Government’s response as inadequate and detached from reality.
“If the authorities are serious about stopping these killings, they must start by arresting those making inciting statements. Otherwise, it will appear that some people are above the law,” he said.
He called for the immediate reinforcement of Operation Rainbow, the state’s local security outfit, through recruitment and retooling to better protect vulnerable communities.
