By Ogochukwu Isioma
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sadness and grief over the latest round of violence and internecine killings in Plateau and Benue States.
In a statement by his media aide, Dele Alake, Tinubu condemned in strong terms the most recent killings in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State and parts of Benue State.
He said the President found very depressing the festering reprisal attacks, needless and avoidable bloodletting among communities in the two States.
The President directed security agencies to fish out the masterminds of the dastardly acts to face the full wrath of law, while reaffirming his government’s strong determination to stamp out violent crimes and all forms of criminalities everywhere in Nigeria.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“A major consequence of perennial conflict is always the tragic loss of innocent lives.
“To build virile, peaceful and prosperous communities demand tolerance and forgiveness for every perceived wrongdoing,” the President added.
To rebuild trust and restore harmony to these conflict areas, President Tinubu urged community leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, socio-cultural organisations as well as the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and Christian Association of Nigeria to work together to help foster genuine and long-lasting peace.
The President, however, charged the governments of Plateau and Benue States and emergency response agencies to provide support and immediate relief to victims who have been displaced as a result of the conflicts.