The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has condemned the unwarranted killing of 60 people in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.

“The recent killing spree in Bokkos is worrisome. We fear that the way things are going, if not well-managed, it can lead to anarchy,” JNI said in a statement by its secretary-general, Khalid Aliyu, on Monday.

“The JNI, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has monitored very closely the security relapse on the Plateau and condemned in its entirety the attempted return to the former dark days of bloodbath. As we have always stated, human life is sacred and should be treated as such.”

Mr Aliyu called on the government to rise to the occasion and act decisively, stating, “JNI reiterates that criminals must not be emboldened in whatever disguise and acts of criminality must be adequately penalised.”

He also disclosed that on Monday, there was a report of the killing of 16 people in the Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi.

Also, about 50 people, including women and children, were kidnapped in the Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Mr Aliyu added, “For how long would these repeated incidents continue to occur uninterrupted? Isn’t it time that Nigerians and the security agents are more proactive instead of reactive?

“It is with utmost concern that the JNI calls on security agencies to intensify efforts in fishing out the culprits so that they can be dealt with in accordance with the existing laws of the land.

“We call on the federal government as well as the Plateau, Kebbi and Katsina state governments to, as a matter of utmost urgency, intensify efforts in enhancing intelligence gathering and prompt dissemination and appropriate usage.”

According to him, JNI is also seeking an increase in security measures and support for security men in discharging their responsibilities.

Mr Aliyu said, “We call on all to propagate peace, equity and justice, for no one has the right to live over and above the other citizens in Nigeria.”

(NAN)