Adebayo to FG on Plateau killings: ‘Prioritise lives over politics’
By Henry Nnaemeka
Outrage over the latest wave of violence in Plateau State intensified on Monday as frontline politician, Adewole Adebayo, condemned the killings of residents as “dastardly” and pressed the Federal Government to act decisively to halt the bloodshed.
During a visit to affected communities, the Social Democratic Party chieftain faulted leaders at all levels for what he described as a failure to meet their most basic obligation—protecting lives and property—warning that governance loses meaning when citizens are left vulnerable.
In a pointed message to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adebayo said the President carries a constitutional responsibility to guarantee the safety of Nigerians, arguing that the country has both the resources and intelligence capacity to confront insecurity if matched with political will.
“These attackers are cowards,” he said, insisting that armed groups carrying out hit-and-run assaults cannot be more powerful than the Nigerian state. He emphasised that the continued ability of such actors to evade justice reflects gaps in response rather than a lack of capacity.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Middle Belt, Adebayo described Plateau as “the glue holding Nigeria together,” cautioning that persistent violence in the region could undermine national cohesion if left unchecked.
He called on residents to close ranks across ethnic and religious lines, urging communities to work collectively to identify criminal elements and their sponsors, while emphasising that justice must be pursued within the framework of the law.
Seeking to reassure displaced and traumatised residents, Adebayo maintained that no Nigerian should be forced out of their ancestral home due to insecurity, pledging sustained engagement to promote peace, rebuild trust and support long-term stability.
His intervention comes amid mounting national concern over recurring attacks in Plateau, with citizens and stakeholders renewing calls for stronger security measures and greater accountability from authorities.
