Plateau Killings: Youths Write Buhari, Demand Justice

Following last Monday’s killings in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herders, youths under the aegis of Plateau Youth G-17 Peace and Progressive Forum have written an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari demanding a thorough investigation of the incident.

The convener and leader of the group, Dachung Musa Bagos, who signed the letter, said government fundamental role is the protection of lives and property of the people as well as ensuring that their fundamental human rights to life are protected.

The letter read in part: “It is with grief and pains in our hearts that we write this open letter with the conviction that urgent steps and proactive measures will be put in place to address the ongoing killings in some parts of Plateau State which have continue unabated.

“Human lives are sacred and as such should be treated with great respect, and leaders at all levels must portray empathy. People are being killed like chicken as innocent blood are being shed on a daily basis without any form of provocation.

“As the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, doubling as the Chief Security Officer of the country, we call on you to intervene and give the needed attention to the genocide ongoing in Plateau State.”

The youths said there have been breach of security and outbreak of violence in Bassa, Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas, where people are constantly attacked, harassed, killed, raped, their villages sacked and taken over by the attackers.

They recalled: “Last year, a respected paramount ruler and the Saf Ron Kulere, Da Lazarus Agai, was killed in cold blood in his hometown, Bokkos Local Government Areas. There has been series of attacks in which many people including three traditional rulers.”

While demanding for justice, the youths also appealed to the president, as a father to step in and put measures to curtail the breach of security, and also ensure that perpetuators are arrested and prosecuted accordingly to serve as deterrent to others.

“Any decision that will lead to enduring and permanent peace in Plateau State, as long as it is in line with the constitution, will be highly appreciated,” the youths added.

Meanwhile, the state Governor, Simon Lalong, has visited the attacked community where he visibly wept over the enormity of the havoc wreaked on the people by the attackers.

Lalong condemned the killing of the innocent women and their children, saying his was doing everything to bring the perpetrators to book.