A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Plateau has condemned the ongoing attacks, killings and destruction of farmlands and other property in different parts of the state.

Mangu, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state recently came under heavy attacks by gunmen, leading to multiple deaths and loss of property.

In a statement issued in Jos and made available to newsmen on Friday, the convener of the coalition, Steve Aluko, described the killings as “barbaric and dehumanising”.

He stated that the development posed a major setback to the economic and agricultural activities in the state.

“The coalition is deeply saddened by the recent killings and destruction of lives and property in Mangu, Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs.

“These happenings have resulted in the killing of more than 300 people.

“Thousands of people have been displaced from their ancestral lands and places of worship, foodstuff, businesses were also destroyed.

“The de-humanisation and destruction of lives and property is barbaric and out rightly callous and, therefore, condemnable in all ramification,” he said.

Mr Aluko commended the efforts of the state government and security agencies toward stemming the tide.

He, however, called for concerted efforts in addressing the plight of displaced persons, who have become refugees in different parts of the state.

He particularly called on the security agencies to “leverage intelligence gathering, early warning and early response mechanism” to end the ugly phenomenon.

(NAN)