By Jonathan Ugbal
In response to the tragic Christmas Eve massacre in Plateau, where over 100 lives were lost, Dr. Betta Edu, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has disclosed that immediate humanitarian relief will be provided to the affected communities.
This is in recognition of the immense challenges faced by the survivors and affected communities, and follows the directive of President Bola Tinubu, to collaborate with the State government to provide relief, a statement signed by her spokesman, Alhaji Rasheed Olanrewaju, issued Wednesday, read.
On Boxing Day, the Nigerian Police said 15 communities in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas were attacked by military gangs and bandits, resulting in 97 deaths, and 221 houses burnt. The State Government however said, that as of Tuesday, 115 corpses had been found. Some reports have pegged as high as 160.
Describing the incident as senseless, Dr. Edu averred; “It was with utter shock and sadness that I received the news of the barbaric, horrendous, and senseless attacks in plateau communities which have left over 100 people dead, many injured, while many more are displaced.
“I condole with the government and people of Plateau state, especially families of the victims of this unnecessary assault on humanity, and pray for a permanent peace in Plateau,” she said, adding that; “One can only imagine the difficulties and indignities as well as catastrophic humanitarian challenges facing the survivors and affected members of the communities.”
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to addressing humanitarian crises across Nigeria.
“We are unrelenting in our efforts to ensure that every Nigerian and all parts of Nigeria experiencing humanitarian crises are catered for in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement added.
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