The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has condemned in strong terms the continued killings in Plateau State, describing the situation as a “national disgrace” and a glaring symbol of failure on the part of the Federal Government to protect the lives and property of Nigerian citizens.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Forum’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, NEF expressed deep sorrow over the relentless bloodshed in the state, lamenting that Plateau — once celebrated for peace, unity, and cultural harmony — has now been turned into a theatre of violence, lawlessness, and mass murder.
“The magnitude of violence being inflicted on innocent citizens is nothing short of a national disgrace,” the statement read. “It is a damning indictment of the Federal Government’s failure to discharge its primary constitutional duty — which is the protection of lives and property of Nigerians.”
The Forum noted that the inaction and silence of the Federal Government in the face of repeated attacks has emboldened criminal elements, leading to a deepening sense of despair and abandonment among the people of Plateau and other affected regions. According to NEF, such sustained brutality cannot continue without a strong and immediate response from those in power.
“It is unacceptable that such acts of mass murder and destruction continue unabated, with little to no meaningful response from those charged with safeguarding the nation,” NEF stated. “The silence and inaction of the Federal Government can no longer be tolerated.”
NEF called for the urgent and massive deployment of well-equipped security forces to Plateau State to halt the killings and restore law and order. The Forum insisted that only a swift, robust, and coordinated security response can bring an end to the carnage.
In addition to security measures, the group urged the Federal Government to ensure that the perpetrators of the violence are apprehended and brought to justice without delay. The Forum emphasized that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done, in order to restore public trust and confidence in the government.
“The blood of innocent Nigerians cries out for justice,” NEF said. “There must be no sanctuary for those who orchestrate, sponsor, or enable these horrors. Every criminal must be made to face the full weight of the law.”
The Forum also demanded that adequate compensation be provided to victims and affected communities who have suffered tremendous personal and economic loss. NEF stressed that healing and rebuilding can only take place when justice is combined with genuine efforts at restitution.
“We further demand that the Federal Government provide adequate compensation to victims and affected communities who have suffered unimaginable loss,” the statement continued. “This is not charity; it is a responsibility that the state must fulfill.”
Furthermore, the Forum called for the immediate establishment of an independent judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the root causes of the violence and identify those responsible. According to NEF, the panel’s findings must be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
“An independent judicial panel must be established without delay, and its findings must be made public to ensure accountability and prevent further bloodshed,” the Forum stated.
The Northern Elders Forum pledged its full support and solidarity to the people of Plateau State and other regions affected by similar violence. It extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated its commitment to advocating for peace, justice, and good governance.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in these senseless attacks,” NEF said. “Enough is enough. The time for words has passed — this is a time for bold, decisive, and just action. The people of Plateau, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve better.”
The Forum concluded by urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show leadership at this critical time and prove that the lives of all Nigerians, regardless of region or religion, truly matter to his administration.
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