In the wake of the recent violent attacks in Jos, Plateau State, Pope Francis offered prayers on Sunday, appealing for an end to the killings. The Pope took to his official Twitter handle, @Pontifex, to express solidarity with the victims and called for divine intervention. The attacks on Christmas Eve left at least 195 dead, 221 houses ablaze, and approximately 10,000 people displaced in 17 communities.
President Bola Tinubu, addressing the nation in his New Year message, acknowledged the frustrations of Nigerians, particularly in response to the removal of fuel subsidy and Naira devaluation. Despite the challenges, Tinubu urged citizens to be patient, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to resolving socio-economic issues through the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, visited Plateau State, stating that President Tinubu had ordered the perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law. However, fresh incidents occurred, with gunmen killing six people in separate attacks in Kwahaslalek Community and Durbi village.
Security forces are actively engaged in the crisis areas, but displaced persons express fear of returning due to insecurity. The Community Peace Observers Chairman in Bokkos LGA emphasized the need for the government to go after terrorists, monitor deployed security personnel, and establish permanent security posts in affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, in his New Year message, urged President Tinubu to end the mindless killings, stating that the government’s legitimacy hangs on resolving the crisis. Kukah emphasized the importance of publicizing investigation outcomes to build public confidence.
In response to the ongoing violence, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, assured the public that the government would not allow terrorists to bring Nigeria down. He visited Plateau State with top military officers, expressing determination to tackle the security challenges.
As concerns over human rights violations escalate, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the Plateau killings. SERAP highlighted the failure of Nigerian authorities to prosecute unlawful killings and violations of international law, emphasizing the need for international intervention to ensure accountability and justice.
The situation in Plateau State remains tense, with displaced persons pleading for security measures to facilitate their return to communities. The international community watches closely as efforts are made to restore peace and address the root causes of the violence.