A somber call for Peace, Justice, national unity and condemnation has been echoed across Nigeria in the aftermath of a horrific Christmas Eve massacre in parts of Plateau, leaving over 150 lives lost, 25 villages attacked, and millions of properties destroyed. The call, led by prominent peace advocate Reverend Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, seeks to shed light on the devastation and inspire a collective outcry against the heinous acts in parts of Plateau state.
The Reverend Para-Mallam, leading a high-powered delegation from the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Foundation along with journalists, on Friday 5th January 2024 visited the beleaguered Bokkos Communities to witness the extensive destruction and express solidarity with the grieving population. The Reverend expressed deep concern over the level of devastation and appealed for restraint and justice.
During the visit, Rev Para-Mallam, recognizing the innocence of Bokkos residents, asserted, “Bokkos people are not killing themselves. We have talked with them and heard from them and I believe that our visit will not only throw more light on what Bokkos people have gone through but to encourage Nigerians to rise in unison to condemn the terrorism that took place on Christmas Eve and right after that”. The only way to bring peace to Bokkos communities is to return residents to their communities” The only way to bring peace to Bokkos communities is to return residents to their communities.” The delegation also visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, donating relief materials including mattresses, blankets, clothing, bags of grains, foodstuffs, and medical supplies.
“Our foundation came to make a call for peace and appeal to the people of Bokkos for restraints. We have also come to see things for ourselves so that we can promote the cry for justice for the people of Bokkos. “Our peace foundation believes in peace-building that is predicated on justice. That useless narrative that goes around that makes it look as if it is Bokkos people who have been fighting and killing themselves is a complete fallacy and a lie.
The Reverend Para-Mallam, addressing journalists, denounced the misleading narrative blaming Bokkos residents for the violence, labeling it a “complete fallacy and a lie.” He emphasized the need for justice and peace-building in the region.
The delegation’s timely arrival witnessed women protesting the alleged unjust arrest of innocent community youths. These women, infuriated by the alleged unfair detention of youths following the discovery of a deceased individual, subsequently burned down the palace of the paramount ruler of Bokkos. Soldiers were deployed to guard the palace, prompting a reaction from ParaMallam, who described it as an angry response.
ParaMallam, acknowledging the anger, urged just treatment of those arrested and commended the security personnel’s efforts while advocating against the escalation of tensions.
Kefas Mallai, Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, explained that the women believed the paramount ruler had abandoned them, leading to the violent protest.
In an interview, Bokkos LGA Chairman Monday Kassam blamed the military for the escalating tension, stating efforts were made to resolve the situation but were met with resistance. A new commander, Lt. Col. Isaac Indiorhwer, has been deployed to Bokkos, allaying fears of fresh attacks and assuring ongoing efforts to restore peace.
Lt. Col. Indiorhwer dismissed claims of troop abandonment, emphasizing their engagement with communities. During a visit to the Command’s headquarters, ParaMallam received assurances from the Commander that peace was the top priority.
Eyewitness reports from affected communities, including Matellem, Dung, Yelwa, and Ngyong, revealed deserted villages and a palpable fear of impending attacks. In Mbar community, where a pastor and four family members were killed, charred remains of other residents were found, underscoring the severity of the Christmas massacre. Though there was relative calm, most villages were deserted with just livestock left behind as most of the residents fled for fear of impending attacks with no security presence in the affected communities.
As Plateau mourns, Reverend ParaMallam’s call for national unity and justice resonates, urging Nigerians to stand together against the darkness that befell Bokkos on Christmas Eve and days after.
