In Nigeria, Plateau state governor Caleb Mutfwang declared that those responsible for a string of attacks on villages that left over 100 people dead would face justice.
He expressed shock at the way evildoers’ actions have tarnished the season, which is supposed to bring communities in the state laughter, joy, and peace.
“It is sad that within the last two days, we have lost innocent people as a result of incessant attacks in parts of the Mangu and Bokkos local government areas. As a matter of fact, my own intelligence is putting it at not less than 50 people. Let me say enough is enough. We cannot continue these senseless, stupid, unprovoked attacks. It is totally uncalled-for,” said the state Governor.
According to local chairman Danjuma Dakil, the attacks began in the Bokkos area and spread to the nearby Barkin Ladi, where 30 people were found dead.
In central and northwest Nigeria, sedentary farmers and transhumant herders have been engaged in a bitter competition for natural resources for many years. The latter accuse the former of stealing their land by using their livestock for agricultural purposes.
Compounded by the effects of climate change and the rapid population growth in this 215 million-population nation, the intermittent violence has resulted in a severe security crisis, complete with heavily armed bandits attacking communities and incessant retaliation, as well as a humanitarian crisis.
The governor attacked security agencies for not taking proactive steps but rather adopting a reactive approach.
