Makut Alfred Mashat, Anipr, a Social Advocate for Good Governance in Bokkos, Plateau State, Nigeria, has called for immediate attention over the violent situation on the people of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, whom he said, are facing a devastating escalation of violence, prompting a desperate call for immediate intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement released today, Makut Alfred Mashat expressed profound grief over the recent attacks, highlighting the urgent need for a declaration of a state of emergency.
“The situation in Bokkos has reached a critical point,” stated Mashat. “Just last week, approximately 20 villagers were killed during a burial, and on April 2nd, another 15 lives were lost in Daffo district in broad daylight attacks by armed herdsmen. Despite intelligence reports circulating about impending attacks, no effective countermeasures were implemented, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives.”
Mashat described the attacks as “unacceptable, barbaric, cannibalistic, and inhumane” and called for an immediate overhaul of the security apparatus in the region. He specifically requested that new security personnel be deployed from the southern region of Nigeria to mitigate potential sabotage.
The statement underscored the ongoing crisis in the central and northern parts of Plateau State, alleging a pattern of “systematic and planned attacks aimed at ethnic cleansing and land grabbing.” Mashat criticized the perceived inaction of the federal government, expressing that the people of the Middle Belt feel marginalized and disregarded.
He said: “Recent attacks have resulted in significant loss of life, with reports indicating over 5000 lives lost since the Christmas Eve 2023 massacres, as well as allegations of intelligence reports being ignored, leading to preventable deaths.
Mashat called for urgent overhaul of security personnel and deployment of forces from southern Nigeria.
According to him, Ethnic cleansing systematic claims land grabbing and attacks have been prevalent in the area for years.
“The President swore an oath to protect the lives and property of Nigerians,” Mashat emphasized.
“The current situation demands immediate and decisive action. We urge President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Bokkos LGA, similar to the measures taken in Rivers State, to address the breakdown of law and order and the tragic loss of lives,” he noted.
Again, he concluded the statement with a firm belief in the eventual triumph of justice.
