Buhari orders security agencies to stop Plateau ‘madness’

President Muhammadu Buhari has instructed the police and army to bring the violence in Plateau state “to an instant end”.

At least 20 people were killed in an attack in Bassa local government area of Plateau state on Monday.

In a statement on Monday, Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, quoted Buhari as saying the “madness has gone too far.”

Shehu said the president directed the security agencies to ensure that there are no further attacks or reprisal attacks.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has received with deep sadness and regret, news of the recent killings of at least 20 people in Plateau state, during what has been described as a reprisal attack by some herdsmen,” the statement read.

“President Buhari believes that this madness has gone too far. He has instructed the military and the police to not only bring the violence to an instant end, but to draw up a plan to ensure that there are no further attacks and reprisal attacks by one group against the other.

“President Buhari is devoted to the sanctity of Nigeria’s unity, and he encourages Nigerians of all groups to learn to live together in peace and harmony.

“He commiserates with the governor and people of Plateau State, and with those who lost their loved ones, friends and family: May God comfort them as only he can.”