The killings in some communities in Plateau State assumed a dangerous dimension recently with the killing of over 100 people by terrorists. In this interview by ISAAC SHOBAYO, a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Jonah Wuyep (rtd), x-rays the tragedy and what should be done to arrest the situation.
The recent attacks in rural communities of Bokkos and Bassa local government areas of Plateau State claimed many lives and rendered a lot of people homeless. What is your take on these unfortunate events which were rare in the past?
Thank you for having me for this chat. First of all, let me extend my heartfelt condolences to the governor, to the government of Plateau, and to the affected areas of the attacks — that is, Bokkos and Bassa. It is most unfortunate that we are experiencing this kind of barbaric act; the attacks on these communities and others in the state have been a source of worry to many. This thing has been on for some time. I condemn it in totality — the attacks on the communities mentioned in these two local government areas were very unfortunate. I believe this has been deliberate and coordinated — and systematic, for that matter. So, it cannot be said to be for some reason which they may mention later.
I am happy that the governor was able to act promptly and for his speech. I understand that Mr. President showed some concern about what happened in our state, and he promptly directed the security agencies to go into action to find out who are the perpetrators of this heinous crime. He also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to take necessary action to provide relief materials. It is quite unfortunate. As I said, we condemn it in totality.
The narrative out there is that the killings were as a result of farmer-herder clashes. Do you subscribe to this notion?
They can say that to the marines. Some of you might have had the opportunity of going to the USA. It’s usually a common statement: you can say that to the marines. Fortunately, I went to school in America too.
So they can say that to the marines. You can’t tell me it’s because of the herders-farmers clashes that caused the attacks on those innocent people. I don’t know whether the attacks were on the farm in the night. Did they kill those innocent people in the night on the farm? Where are the farms? When they attack these people in the night — let’s say the morning of Sunday — so, who are the people involved in the clash? Who are the people? Do we know them? So, it is wrong and unbelievable to say it is farmers and herders clashing. And someone even said that it’s religious too. Yeah, it’s not a religious issue. This is something that has been intimidating. They actually planned it. The people who killed these innocent people were armed with sophisticated weapons. And you’re telling me it’s a clash?
Some people said it’s a herder-farmer clash. I don’t believe that. These are terrorists. These are armed terrorists. They’re the ones wreaking this havoc on the people.
So, these are terrorists who are out to attack innocent people?
Absolutely.
Do you think it is genocide?
Well, attacking them is to wipe them out; then definitely, I can say it is genocide. It’s genocide. If you attack and kill the people and wipe them out, that is genocide.
Do you think the Plateau State government has done enough security-wise to bring the situation to an end?
From my own personal insight into the activities of the government, I would say yes. The governor has done very well in that area. He has cried out. He has made visits to the affected areas just to assure the people that the government plans to make sure that this problem is taken care of soon. So, I think the governor has been doing well in that area.
Again, I have to remind us that even before the attack, we had had one year of peace under his administration — one year before the attacks. And it’s not by coincidence that we had that one year.
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