President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness and grief over the rounds of violence and killings in Plateau and Benue.

This is contained in a statement by his spokesman, Dele Alake, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Tinubu condemned the most recent internecine killings in Plateau’s Mangu Local Government Area and parts of Benue.

The president found the festering reprisal attacks very depressing and needless and avoidable bloodletting among communities in the two states.

“It is most unfortunate that in this orgy of violence, an innocent eight-month-old baby in Farin Lamba community of Vwang District, Jos South Local Government, died in a conflict she knew nothing about.

“To build virile, peaceful and prosperous communities demand tolerance and forgiveness for every perceived wrongdoing,” the president said.

To rebuild trust and restore harmony to these conflict areas, Mr Tinubu urged all stakeholders to help foster genuine and long-lasting peace.

He called for further collaboration among community leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, socio-cultural organisations, and the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and the Christian Association of Nigeria.

While reaffirming his government’s strong determination to stamp out violent crimes and all forms of criminalities everywhere in Nigeria, the president directed security agencies to fish out the masterminds of the dastardly acts to face the full wrath of the law.

He, however, charged the governments of Plateau and Benue and emergency response agencies to provide support and immediate relief to victims displaced due to the conflicts.

No fewer than 24 persons were reportedly killed in Akpuuna village in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue on Saturday, according to Tersoo Kula, the spokesman for the state governor.

According to him, the gunmen operated for more than two hours without the intervention of security forces.

Also, at least 15 people were killed in an attack in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau on Saturday.

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria alleged that a militia group invaded their communities, killing and maiming people while destroying over 70 houses.

According to the group’s chairman in Plateau, Nuru Abdullahi, at least 2,000 cattle belonging to its members were still missing after the invasion.

The crisis in the two states started early in the first quarter of this year, with various security measures being taken by the federal and state governments. 

(NAN)