The 19 Northern State Governors’ Forum, chaired by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state, has condemned the “reprehensible and disheartening” attacks on some villages in Plateau state.
On Sunday night, the attackers set fire to several residences. The gun-wielding, bloodthirsty men also took farm products and destroyed property while slaughtering the inhabitants.
Yahaya praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang for giving vital leadership in the aftermath of the attacks in a press release made on behalf of the Northern Governors.
“It is reprehensible and disheartening to hear of the loss of over 100 lives and destruction of properties that occurred during these attacks, especially during a time when residents were preparing to celebrate the festive season.
“Such acts of violence are not only cowardly but also run counter to the spirit of unity and coexistence that our region upholds.
“We must all prioritize peace and harmonious living in our communities. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence and solidarity regardless of our differences.”, he said.
While commending security operatives for rising to the occasion Governor Inuwa said the attackers and their masterminds must be swiftly brought to book.
Plateau is one of several ethnically and religiously diverse hinterland states, where inter-communal conflict has claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
The violence is often deemed as an ethno-religious conflict between Muslim herders and mainly Christian farmers