Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered security agencies to hunt down those responsible for the brutal attacks on several villages in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left more than 52 people dead and dozens of homes and food stores destroyed.
In a strong condemnation of the massacre, which occurred Wednesday night across Ruwi, Mangor, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai communities, the President described the killings as unacceptable and vowed that the attackers would face severe punishment once apprehended.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over what he called “another violent attack” on defenceless citizens, warning that such “mindless” violence has no place in Nigeria, especially at a time when the country is intensifying efforts to restore peace and order nationwide.
He assured that the government would not be deterred in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, emphasising that these tragic incidents would only strengthen his administration’s resolve to defeat those he described as “forces of evil.”
The President extended his condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by the incident.
He urged communities to remain calm and resist any urge for retaliation, stressing the need for unity across ethnic, religious, and political lines in the collective pursuit of peace.
“No community should have to endure such tragedy,” Tinubu stated, calling on all Nigerians to embrace their shared humanity and stand together against violence in any form.
The President said “the report of another violent attack in communities in Plateau State by mindless gunmen saddens me. The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable.
“I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended.
“These intermittent attacks should have no place in our country at a time when we are working so hard to restore peace and order in all parts of our country.
“This unfortunate incident will never dampen and slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian citizen. Instead, we will work harder to exterminate forces of evil wherever they are lurking in our country.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and all those affected by this senseless violence. No community should have to endure such tragedy. We all must unite to foster peace and stability.
“I urge all citizens—regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations—to uphold the shared humanity that binds us all, embrace peace and reject retaliation”, he said.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang has described the ongoing attacks and killings in some parts of the state as a coordinated crime sponsored by conflict merchants and not farmer-herder clashes.
The governor said this during the Fashion and Arts Exhibition organised by the Tincity Fashion Week titled ‘The Plateau Experience’, on Friday night in Abuja.
Mutfwang, who insisted that the attacks were well organised criminality, promised that the government and security agencies had put measures in place to forestall future occurrence.
“I want to thank all of you who are here to support and honour Plateau with your presence in this event. We do not take this show of solidarity lightly.
“We contemplated suspending this event due to the current security situation in the state, but we decided not to allow the situation ruin the good things we have to celebrate.
“And I must say that the aim of the enemy is to throw the state into gloom and mourning but we will rise above their intent and not give them what they want.
“For those who think that the current situation is a farmer-herder issue, let me disabuse your mind from that perception; it is a product of organised crime by malicious elements who do not want peace to reign in the state.
“I want to assure the good people of Plateau that God will give us victory over these miscreants and their end has come” he said.