Terrorists kill 1,872 people, abduct 714; fuelled by entrenched interests
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
There were 217 terrorist attacks in 34 states between January and April 2023 which led to 1,872 deaths, 714 abductions, and 65 people receiving injuries, according to a tally by Stefanos Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Jos.
Stefanos Foundation Advocacy Manager Fatima Njoku disclosed the figures in Abuja where she also stressed the urgent need for action to tackle the underlying causes of violence across the country.
“From eyewitness reports and testimonies of direct victims across the board, we can say that the attacks are carried out in literally the same style, with attackers dressed in similar fashion and victims with similar profiles,” she said.
“This has happened in Agatu, Guma, Logo in Benue State; Kagoro, Zangon Kataf, Kajuru, Kafanchan in southern Kaduna; Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and now Mangu in Plateau State, and the list goes on.”
Njoku stressed the new administration of Bola Tinubu has come at a time when the security of lives and property, the primary purpose of government, is at its worst in Nigeria’s history, and it demands the urgent attention of the government.
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Entrenched economic interests produce violence
The Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) in Mangu Council in Plateau has alleged violence in communities are linked to entrenched economic interests that require immediate action to end, via reporting by Daily Post.
MDA National President Joseph Gwamkat said the return of locals to their ancestral homes is non-negotiable, and warned if nothing is done to address the situation, there will be “hunger and poverty” in the land with the present economic climate.
He explained about 40 per cent of farm produce on the Plateau comes from Mangu Council and violence threatens to the livelihoods the farmers.
Gwamkat said the MDA strongly recommends the “establishment of state policing” in all states and communities and the “creation of special courts” to dispense justice in conflicts between communities.
He lamented the presence of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) or the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PSEMA) has never been felt in local communities.