By John Ogunsemore
The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has bemoaned fresh killings in Bokkos, Plateau State, warning that mass killings and burials are gradually being normalised.
This is contained in a statement shared on X on Friday.
On Thursday, a group, Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) disclosed that suspected bandits killed over 10 people in Bokkos on Wednesday night.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Farmasum Fuddang and National Secretary, Duwam Bosco, the group added that over 20 of its members have been killed in one week.
“The attackers, who spoke the Fulani, launched an assault around noon in Mangor Tamiso, then moved to Daffo, Manguna (Tagai), and invaded Hurti and Tadai,’’ the group said.
In his statement titled, “An unending gory story in our land,” Obi said, “I woke up this morning reading about yet another gory and deeply distressing report from Bokkos, Plateau State. Entire families have again, been slaughtered in yet another senseless attack. Children and pregnant women were not spared.
“Five communities in Bokkos: Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai have been left in mourning, forced to bury their loved ones in mass graves.
“How long will these killings, kidnapping, maiming and criminality continue in our nation that is not at war? How long must we wait to act decisively and focus on this drastic situation that is crippling our nation? How many more must die before the government act for the people?”
The former Anambra governor added, “We are now normalising mass killings and mass burials as a way of life in our nation. Every Nigerian life is sacred, whether in Edo State, Benue, Enugu, Borno, Anambra, Ondo, or Plateau.
“Communities now live in fear and no longer have a livelihood either in their farms or in their markets, without being killed, kidnapped, and maimed.
“Communities like Bokkos in Plateau, Jato-Aka in Benue, Eha-Amufu in Enugu, Ufuma in Anambra, and Aba Oyinbo in Ondo deserve government protection.”
Obi said this grief and terror must come to an end as it is becoming extremely unacceptable.
“The government and security agencies must ensure that these killings are stopped, concrete steps are made to prevent future occurrences, and those arrested face the justice they deserve.
“My heart goes to the people of Bokkos, and others in various communities.
“No Nigerian should live in fear as the government must do what it takes to protect Nigerians,” Obi stressed.