Plateau State Initiative for Development and Advancement of the
Natives, PIDAN, has said over 2,000 people were killed and about 52
villages wiped out in the various attacks carried out in the state in
2018.
Addressing newsmen in Jos, its president, Dr. Aboi J. K. Madaki, said
twenty villages were attacked and all their residents dislodged by
those he described as invaders.
He said, “A quick review of the spate of attacks since January 2018
shows that several lives were lost in many communities in Barkin-ladi,
Riyom, Jos- South and Mangu local government areas.”
He added, “Furthermore, in the June attacks, houses and properties in
15 villages from the four local governments were destroyed leaving the
scores of people homeless and a large number of farm crops destroyed.
“As we talk to you this moment, there are many wounded and injured
people in the various medical facilities within and outside the state,
receiving medical attention.“
PIDAN described as baseless the statement credited to the Miyetti
Alllah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, that the killings were
reprisal following the disappearance of five of their members and
several cow-rustling incidences in Barkin-ladi areas.
He added that PIDAN condemned the killings of innocent ones who were
defenceless, describing it as a dastardly act, callous, barbaric and
inhuman.
He said that they were aware of the various measures put in place by
both the state and federal governments to checkmate further escalation
of attacks and killings.
PIDAN further lamented the use of sophisticated weapons in the
crisis, adding, “We are however of the view that there is need for
additional strategies towards finding permanent solution to this
crisis.“
They accused the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of failing to provide relief materials to the state.