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By Myke Agunwa
The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party(LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi on Sunday empathized with persons displaced during the recent attack by herdsmen in Bokkos, Plateau State with the sum of N7.5m.
Obi in his verified X handle wondered why the number of internally displaced persons would be on the increase when the country is not at war. While appreciating the sanctity of life, he said that Nigerians should not be subjected to living in fear or uncertainty.
Terrified by level of destruction perpetrated in Bokkos, he said,
“What has happened in these communities is very saddening and utterly unacceptable.
“Nigerians should not be killed or forced to flee their homes when we are not at war. Every life is precious, and no Nigerian, regardless of where they live should have to live in fear or uncertainty.
“My deepest condolences go to the families and communities who have suffered tragic losses. No words can truly capture the pain and devastation that such senseless violence brings.
“My heart is with the people of Bokkos, the displaced children, women, and entire communities, during this difficult time”.
The leader of the Obidient movement took time to narrate how the group had supported the community in the past through various incentives.
“Earlier, the Obidient Movement had built a borehole to provide clean water for the IDP camp and the community, and we continued the support yesterday with the sum of 7.5 million naira to help in providing facilities for the displaced children, provide continuous education and ongoing needs of those affected.
“Now, more than ever, leadership and compassion are essential. I stand in solidarity with Plateau State and remain committed to supporting all efforts toward peace, justice, and healing”.
You may recall that unknown gunmen killed at least 60 people and displaced nearly 2,000 others over several days of attacks in Bokkos, Plateau state.
The attack has been linked to a long history of violence between farmers and cattle herders.
The April 11 attack in Bokkos came just weeks after another massacre on March 28, when at least 52 people were killed in coordinated raids on communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs.
Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang has labeled the sustained violence in Plateau as genocide, not a farmer-herder conflict. Speaking during the “Experience Plateau: Art Meets Fashion” event in Abuja last week, he rejected attempts to normalize the violence.
“We will not be forced into perpetual mourning,” he said. “What is happening is genocide. The international community must take note. Powerful forces are behind these atrocities, but justice will prevail.”
“Victims have been murdered in their sleep, during vigils, and while farming,” Mutfwang declared.