ECOWAS to FG: Ensure justice for victims of Plateau killings, bring perpetrators to book

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the recent killings in Plateau state.

Over 115 persons were killed on the eve of  Christmas in attacks by gunmen on communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs of the state.

Reacting to the incident in a statement on Saturday, ECOWAS said the “dastardly act”  demonstrated the “callousness, insensitivity and total disregard of the sanctity of human life on part of the perpetrators of the heinous act”.

“The Commission further expresses profound condolences to the bereaved, wishes a speedy recovery to the injured, and conveys its heartfelt sympathies to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“The ECOWAS Commission calls on the Government to intensify ongoing efforts to identify and bring the perpetrators of this terrorist act to justice.”

The commission also reassured the government and citizens of its unwavering commitment to accompanying the country in the on-going efforts towards promoting peaceful co-existence.

ECOWAS added that it was committed to ridding the region of the scourge of terrorism, violent extremism, and banditry.

After the attacks, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to arrest perpetrators of the killings.

Tinubu also directed the “immediate mobilisation” of relief materials for victims of the incident and assured residents of the state that the envoys of death and sorrow will not escape justice.