Yakubu Busari,
The Member Representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Engr. Fom Chollom Dalyop has disclosed that the recent genocidal attacks on three Local Government Areas of Plateau State, on Christmas Eve, has as expected, been greeted by National and global condemnation from all well-meaning and peace-loving Nations and personalities.
He made this disclosure in a Press release in Jos, says it is on record that these attacks left more than 200 people dead, thousands injured and presently nursing wounds from guns and machetes, properties worth billions of naira destroyed, and several others now in IDP camps.
A visit to some of the affected communities in Barkin-Ladi LGA (Hurum and Darwat in Gashish District, and NTV in Ropp District) on 25th December, revealed that these unprovoked and dastardly attacks were not only well coordinated but also simultaneously executed.
According to him, “the fact that these attacks came when the innocent victims were celebrating joy, peace, and love associated with the Christmas season further confirms the wickedness of the hearts of the perpetrators.
“These attacks lasted more than four hours, though the nearby security forces might have responded, their efforts were probably, largely hindered by the difficult terrain of the area. This no doubt is a cause for concern.
Worthy of commendation however, is the immediate response of the President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,”he says.
He sent a high-powered delegation, led by the Vice President, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima. He did not only condemn the wicked act of the perpetrators but also visited some of the affected areas, to get first-hand information.
He further directed that the killers and destroyers would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
We pray that this Presidential directive will yield fruit in no distant time, as it will not only bring succour to the affected persons and communities, but also serve as a deterrent to the perpetrators of this, and similar genocidal attacks.
The security forces should therefore take advantage of this Presidential directive and ensure that the needful is achieved.
He called on the Federal government should consider a full-scale investigation of these unprovoked and dastardly attacks in Plateau and other States, to curtail these unnecessary pains inflicted on innocent and law-abiding Nigerians.
The Federal government should in addition, consider immediate dispatch of relief materials to the survivors, most of whom are presently in IDP camps. Furthermore, compensation for properties lost should also be a matter of urgent accomplishment.
Chollom Dalyop reiterated that the victims who have lost their beloved ones and property, as well as those injured and receiving treatment, are hereby requested to continue to remain calm and law-abiding and put their trust in God Almighty. We in the Legislature and representatives of the people assure you all of our commitment to continue to make laws that will promote peace and peaceful coexistence.
