A group under the aegis of Plateau Elders Forum on Monday called on the Federal Government to rise up to the challenge of stemming the killings across the country so as not to polarize the nation’s polity.
Chief John Mankilik, Spokesman of the Forum in a briefing in Jos, described the killings that took place during the weekend as “very unfortunate” and “unacceptable.’’
“About 45 People were reported killed in Birnin-Gwari in Kaduna State and some unspecified number in Rivers and Ekiti States, all in the weekend; aside those of Benue, Adamawa and Taraba states that took place last week.
“We, as elders and stakeholders in Plateau, are not happy with the security situation in this country as it relates to safety of lives and property, ’’ the Elders declared.
The elders noted with regret that the effects of the incessant killings in most communities across the nation would only result to hunger and poverty upon the country since people are afraid to go to farms because of activities of bandits.
“Who will go to the farm when his or her security is not guaranteed?
“Nobody wants his/her life to be wasted just like that as it is the case in some communities here on the Plateau.’’
The Elders expressed the fear that if government fails to do something drastic about the killings, politicians might take advantage of it “now that elections are fast approaching and do away with their rivals or opponents.’’
According to them, the onus rest with the federal government to ensure that, “this democracy that we are enjoying is not truncated by enemies of progress irrespective of who they are and where they come from.’’
“Government has to do more in terms of securing the lives of innocent Nigerians by stepping up the security of the country because these attacks are not just instilling fear on the populace but tearing the country apart.
“Security agents should be tasked in doing more to arrest the situation so as not to polarize the nation and truncate our beautify democracy”, they further advised.
The Elders called on President Muhammadu Buhari to act as fast as possible to save the country from derailing politically following the incessant killings of innocent Nigerians by the so called unknown gunmen or bandits.
“Unless those doing the killings and those behind them are arrested and brought to book, our democracy is under serious threat just as the corporate existence of the country.’’
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