Edu: President Has Approved Humanitarian Support for Plateau Attack Victims

•IPCR condemns killings, calls for arrest, prosecution of suspects

Michael Olugbode and Kuni Tyessi in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, yesterday confirmed the presidential  directive instructing her ministry to immediately collaborate with the Plateau state government in bringing succour to the survivors of the attack as well as the affected communities.

The minister, who described the incident as senseless, horrendous and inhuman, had earlier pledged her ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the state government to render humanitarian assistance to the affected communities and survivors of the attacks.

She said: “It was with utter shock and sadness that I received the news of the barbaric,  horrendous and senseless attacks in plateau communities which have left over 100 people dead and injured  many while many more are displaced.

“I condole with the government and people of plateau state, especially families of the victims of this unnecessary assault on humanity and pray for a permanent peace in the plateau.”

According to her, one can only imagine the difficulties and indignities as well as catastrophic humanitarian challenges facing the survivors and affected members of the communities.

“As a ministry directly in charge of responding to humanitarian challenges of citizens in Nigeria,  the federal ministry of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation has been directed by President Tinubu to collaborate with the Plateau state government to bring humanitarian succour to the survivors of the unfortunate attacks as well as the affected communities.

“We are unrelenting in our efforts to ensure that every Nigerian and all parts of Nigeria experiencing humanitarian crises are catered for,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has condemned the heartless killings of people in Plateau state last Sunday.

IPCR lamented that the coordinated attacks were carried out on a day meant to celebrate love, compassion and togetherness.

IPCR, in the statement signed by its Director General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu said: “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 said.

Although, he said that the security agencies were doing very well, but the institute appealed that they put more efforts to address the security challenges bedevilling the nation.

“We condemn the killings and call for peace and conflict resolution on conflict related issues. We also call for the  apprehension and prosecution of criminals involved in the killings.

 “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,” he added.

Besides, the National Chairman, Initiative for Better & Brighter Nigeria (IBBN),  Dr. Isa el-Buba has expressed sadness  over the gruesome terror attacks on some communities in Plateau.

In a statement by the National Director, Media and Publicity, IBBN, Yemi Matthew, el-Buba stated that at a time the world was celebrating Christmas, forces of darkness plotted and executed the coordinated massacre of helpless citizens in cold blood.

El-Buba said that he will not stop calling for decisive actions to be taken against terrorists and bandits until the day that the Nigerian state awakes to her primary constitutional responsibility of securing the lives and properties of her citizens.

He appealed to both the federal and state governments to work in synergy with all security agencies in fighting this common enemy.

The renowned cleric expressed optimism that peace is achievable if the issue of security will not only be given lip service.

He stated that the protection of citizens and their belongings remain one of the dividends of good governance, and is top on the list among the things he had been advocating before and after  the 2023 general elections.