THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONDEMNS THE BRUTAL KILLINGS IN PLATEAU STATE,NIGERIA

The United States has condemned the attack on 86 people in Plateau state - The US government said it is concerned by the recent increase in armed violence against civilians in middle belt Nigeria The US has also sent its condolences to the affected community in the area.

The US has strongly condemned the attacks in Plateau in which no fewer than 86 people were killed and several others injured, in a statement by Heather Nauert, spokesperson for the US Department of State, said the perpetrators of the attacks should be brought to justice. “The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms that the killing of civilians and destruction of property in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region over the weekend. 

“We are concerned by the recent increase in armed violence against civilians and call on all political and community leaders to lend their voices to peace and to work together to find lasting solutions to these rural conflicts. “We join President Buhari and others in sending our deepest condolences to the affected communities, and in the desire to see the perpetrators brought to justice and to prevent further violence," Nauert said. 

According Terna Tyopev, the public relations officer of the Police Command in Plateau, 50 houses, two cars and 15 motorcycles were burnt in the attacks by herders. The herdsmen were reported to have invaded Razat, Ruku, Nyarr, Kura and Gana-Ropp villages of Gashish District in Barkin Ladi local government area where the deaths occurred. The Plateau government has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South local government areas following the attacks. 

 President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attacks, describing the incident as “very painful and regrettable," and warned that the government would not rest until the assailants were brought to justice. It was earlier reported that Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) gave reasons why herdsmen attacked mourners in Plateau state, killing over 120 people and causing serious injuries to hundreds others. 

The chairman, north central zone of the organisation, Danladi Ciroma, who condemned the attacks, however, claimed the people were killed in retaliation to the killings of about 300 cows belonging to the herdsmen.