Pope Francis has joined the numerous individuals seeking an end to the incessant killings in Plateau State and prayed for its end. He made this declaration on Sunday in a post on X.
He said via @Pontifex handle: “Let us #PrayTogether for the victims of the severe violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State. May God free Nigeria from these horrors! Let us also pray for those who lost their lives in the explosion of a tanker truck in Liberia.”
There have been several reports of violence in the region as 14 communities in the Barkin-ladi Local Government Area of the state were attacked. About 195 persons were killed and 221 houses where burnt. In the process, 10,000 have been displaced.
Christianity Nigeria had earlier reported that the President of Hungary, Katalin Novák, had spoken against the massacre of Christians in state during Christmas, and demanded an end to it.
She made this statement on December 27, 2023 on X and also requested support for the persecuted Christians while sending her condolences to the families of the victims.
Her post read, “Brutal attack on Christians at Christmas in Nigeria. According to certain news outlets, more than a hundred people were killed. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. This massacre must end. Persecuted Christians must receive help.”
Recall that during the Christmas period, some suspected herdsmen stormed Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau and unleashed terror on the people.
President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, have commiserated with the victims and their families.
While responding to the situation, Edu 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.
“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 Bola Tinubu to collaborate with the Plateau State government to bring humanitarian succor 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 in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
On Friday, December 29, 2023, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, visited Plateau State and assured that the police are handling the issue.
He said, “President Bola Tinubu has ordered that the perpetrators of this heinous act be fished out and face the full wrath of the law. I commiserate with the people of Plateau and assure you of the full support of the police in tackling this menace.”
As at December 31, 2023, residents in the state were still raising alarms on the state of insecurity in the region on social media, calling on security operatives to come to their aid.
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