In a recent press statement released on December 29th, The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, President, and CEO of The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Bokkos Local Government Area, Governor HE Barr Caleb Mutfwang, and all citizens of Plateau State in the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack.
Dr. Para-Mallam emphasized the gravity of the situation, unveiling what he deemed a “terrible genocide” in Plateau State, carefully masked as a mere clash between farmers and herders. He asserted, “What we have is a deadly situation in which armed Fulani herdsmen, described sometimes as Bandits but in a real sense, terrorists…attack other ethnic nationalities in some parts of the State and in most Middlebelt communities.”
The press statement called attention to the misleading narratives surrounding the attacks, insisting that the events in Bokkos were not mere clashes but deliberate, targeted, intentional, and systematic attempts to eliminate entire populations. Dr. Para-Mallam questioned the response from authorities, stating, “Sadly, a false and misleading narrative is created while rivers of blood continue to flow. This is a disservice to the Nigerian nation and humanity.”
The Foundation, in its detailed breakdown of the Bokkos attacks, provided a sobering account of the casualties and destruction. According to the statement, approximately 160 people lost their lives on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with an estimated 5,000 internally displaced people. Eight churches were destroyed, and a significant number of villages were targeted in a coordinated military-style assault.
Dr. Para-Mallam called for immediate and decisive action, saying, “Arrest the perpetrators, end the killings, and promote sustainable peace are proactive steps so urgently needed NOW. Similar mass and unjustified killings must be brought to an end, and ONLY the Federal Government has the constitutional right and authority to bring this about.”
The press statement urged the Federal Government to investigate the source of sophisticated weaponry used by the attackers, emphasizing the need for a preventive rather than reactive military strategy. It questioned the international community’s silence and called for a united condemnation of the atrocities being committed.
The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation concluded the statement with a plea for collective efforts toward ending the killings and achieving lasting peace. The Foundation expressed hope that the tragic events in Bokkos would serve as a turning point, rallying forces for peace against the darkness threatening Nigeria.
Para-Mallam further acknowledged the recent powerful Presidential Team, led by Vice President HE Kashim Shettima, that visited Bokkos to convey the President’s condolences and a passionate plea for peace. The commitment to ending the killings and the collective search for peace in Plateau State were echoed during a Stakeholders meeting in Heipang, Jos, attended by key leaders.
The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, as an invitee to the meeting, expressed hope that Bokkos would be the last of such senseless killings and stressed the need for collective and sustained efforts toward peace.
“As an invitee to the Stakeholders meeting, The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation prays that Bokkos would be the last of such senseless killings. The commitment to end such and the search for peace on the Plateau needs to be collective and sustained. Let the journey begin; not only for peace BUT also ending the killings in the State. Politicizing the killings leads us nowhere. But finding the political will as declared by the Governor of Plateau State, to end the killings is the way to go! Positive action leads us somewhere and that destination is peace not only in Plateau State the home of Peace and Tourism but also in Nigeria.” The Statement concludes.
