President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to fish out and prosecute masterminds of the violence.
The President gave the order while reacting to reports on latest attacks in Mangu and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau, as well as Akpuuna in Ukum local government area of Benue State.
A statement by Presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, conveyed the president’s sadness and grief over the latest round of violence, describing as depressing, the festering reprisal attacks, needless and avoidable bloodletting among communities in the two states.
“It is most unfortunate that in this orgy of violence, an innocent eight-month-old baby in Farin Lamba community of Vwang District, Jos South Local Government, died in a conflict she knew nothing about. A major consequence of perennial conflict is always the tragic loss of innocent lives.
“To build virile, peaceful and prosperous communities demand tolerance and forgiveness for every perceived wrongdoing,” the President said.
Tinubu urged community leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, socio-cultural organisations as well as the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to work together to help foster genuine and long-lasting peace.
“While reaffirming his government’s strong determination to stamp out violent crimes and all forms of criminalities everywhere in Nigeria, the President has directed security agencies to fish out the masterminds of the dastardly acts to face the full wrath of law.
“He, however, charged the governments of Plateau and Benue States and emergency response agencies to provide support and immediate relief to victims who have been displaced as a result of the conflicts,” Alake said.
