‘This heinous crime shouldn’t be ignored’ — northern elders speak on Plateau killings

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has condemned the killing of 22 travellers in Plateau state.

The victims were travelling from Bauchi to Ondo state when they were attacked along Rukuba road, Jos North LGA, on Saturday.

Twenty-two people were killed in the attack while over 10 others sustained injuries.

Eight of the travellers are said to be missing.

The police said 20 suspects have been arrested over the killings while 33 victims of the attack have been rescued.

Reacting to the incident in a statement issued by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, its spokesman, the NEF said the attack “compounds the deteriorating community relations” in many parts of the region.

While condoling with the families of the bereaved, the forum asked members of the community to refrain from reprisal attacks and allow the government to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.

“This particular incident is an outrageous provocation and it compounds the deteriorating community relations in many parts of the region,” the statement reads.

“We have taken note of the statement of President Muhammadu Buhari and the steps taken by the Governor of Plateau, Mr Simon Lalong. These reactions should be able to produce immediate results in arrest and prosecutions.

“This heinous crime should not be ignored or treated as routine.

“While condoling families of those murdered, the forum appeals to all communities to show the highest level of restraint and tolerance.

“Killings and reprisals only endanger the lives of more people, most of them innocent.

“We invite the attention of leaders at all levels to the increasing vulnerability of Nigerians to armed criminality and deteriorating relations among many communities.”