IPCR Decries Killings in Plateau, Calls for Arrests, Prosecution of Criminals Involved

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has condemned the heartless killings of people in Plateau State on Sunday.

In the latest attack in the state, several people were reportedly murdered in cold blood in Gashish and Ropp districts of Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas on Christmas Eve.

IPCR lamented that the coordinated attacks were carried out on a day meant to celebrate love, compassion and togetherness, adding that this was the day these criminals would carry out an evil act that would bring untold agony, suffering and grief to the affected communities.

IPCR, in a statement signed by its Director General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Wednesday, said: “We had in our message on this yuletide celebration, urged Nigerians to keep the flag of unity high, as unity and peace are the hallmarks of a progressive nation.

“As the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, who have been preaching peace in all the fora I have attended, there’s no doubt that peaceful coexistence is the hallmark of a progressive nation.

“I have insisted that peace, unity and security have the potential to break the vicious circle of underdevelopment and nation-building is the responsibility of all.

“Bloodletting is not an achievement, but has the potential of scaring investors away from us. Nobody invests in a country where insecurity holds sway, we should all rally round President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his Renewed Hope Agenda so that we can have the country of our dream.

“The Nigeria of our dream doesn’t harbour unnecessary killings, the Nigeria of our dream doesn’t harbour hatred for one another. Our dream is to have a viable nation, where citizens have sense of belonging.”

He urged Nigerians to build the future of the country today and stop the actions and inactions that could put citizens in bad light, where the country will be compared with terrorist nations.

Ochogwu said security agencies are doing very well, adding that the institute is appealing that they put more efforts to address this challenges bedevilling the nation.

He said the institute condemns the killings and call for peace and conflict resolution on conflict-related issues, as he also calls for the apprehension and prosecution of criminals involved in the killings.

According to him, “We appreciate the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who promised to settle the hospital bills of all injured victims of Christmas Eve attacks at Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

“Let’s cooperate with our military and security actors to provide physical security and safety for our citizens, as we innovate and create the right conflict resolution mechanisms to address the protracted communal conflicts. Only together we can make peace happen in our society.”