PANDEF condemns killings in Plateau State

THE Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the recent devastating attack and killing of over 100 innocent villagers in Plateau State allegedly by herdsmen.

National Secretary, PANDEF, Dr. Alfred MULADE, in a statement made available to TribuneOnline in Warri, Delta State.

“The scale of the killings and destruction, as reported in the media, is greatly disturbing. We, therefore, call on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the security agencies to act decisively to ensure that the perpetuators of the grievous killings and their sponsors are arrested and brought to justice without delay, this time.

“Expressions of regret, condolences, and mere promises are no longer acceptable. The government must live up to its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property of the citizens.

“It is worrisome that over time the government seems reluctant to take drastic actions against these Fulani killer-herdsmen.

“It is this situation that has emboldened these killer herdsmen to continue their killings of innocent Nigerians across the country,” he averred.

The group urged the Federal Government to demonstrate greater political will and capacity towards stemming the killings particularly in Plateau, Benue, Adamawa, Taraba and Kaduna states.

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“We wish to note that the present situation remains the strongest flashpoint of invitation to chaos and anarchy in our country as people would not continue to fold their arms forever as they are being killed,” Mulade noted.

PANDEF also condemned a statement credited to the Chairman of the North Central Chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Danladi Ciroma, that the attacks were retaliatory over cows lost to rustlers in the last few weeks.

“That statement, to say the least, is callous, insensitive and provocative. We call on the leadership of MACBAN to denounce it immediately, and apologize to the people of the affected communities, in the interest of peace and harmony.

“Inasmuch as we do not support cattle rustling under any guise, it is, however, absurd that human lives are now being equated to that of cows in the country.

“That kind of statement gives the obvious impression that MACBAN supports and aids the spate of killings by the Fulani herdsmen across the North Central region and other parts of the country.

“It is imperative for the government to thoroughly scrutinize the activities of MACBAN and also put its leadership under security watch.

“We commiserate with the government and people of Plateau State, particularly the Communities and families affected by this dastardly act; and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the losses of lives and property, as well as granting speedy recovery to the injured,” the group enthused.