The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi has condemned the attacks on Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by gunmen, leading to deaths and injuries of several individuals.
Thelensng gathered that the attacks, which have been ongoing all through the week affected different communities, leading to the deaths of no fewer than 20 people, while several others have been hospitalised after sustaining injuries.
The attackers also burnt houses, with some residents reportedly missing.
Reacting to the tragedy in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Obi expressed dissatisfaction with the rising insecurity in Nigeria.
“An unending gory story in our land. I woke up this morning reading about yet another gory and deeply distressing report from Bokkos, Plateau State. Entire families have again, been slaughtered in yet another senseless attack. Children and pregnant women were not spared.
“Five communities in Bokkos: Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai have been left in mourning, forced to bury their loved ones in mass graves. How long will these killings, kidnapping, maiming and criminality continue in our nation that is not at war? How long must we wait to act decisively and focus on this drastic situation that is crippling our nation? How many more must die before the government act for the people?” the statement partly reads.
He stated that mass killings and mass burials have been normalised as a way of life in Nigeria.
Obi, however, explained that every Nigerian life is sacred, whether in Edo State, Benue, Enugu, Borno, Anambra, Ondo, or Plateau.
According to him, communities now live in fear and no longer have a livelihood either in their farms or in their markets, without being killed, kidnapped, and maimed.
“Communities like Bokkos in Plateau, Jato-Aka in Benue, Eha-Amufu in Enugu, Ufuma in Anambra, and Aba Oyinbo in Ondo deserve government protection,” he said.
The former Anambra State Governor mentioned that the grief and terror must end, lamenting that it is becoming extremely unacceptable.
“The government and security agencies must ensure that these killings are stopped, concrete steps are made to prevent future occurrences, and those arrested face the justice they deserve. My heart goes to the people of Bokkos, and others in various communities,” he noted.
He said that no Nigerian should live in fear, adding that the government must do what it takes to protect the citizens.
