Volker Türk, the UN’s chief of human rights, has called on the Nigerian government to take immediate action to address the escalating violence in Plateau State. This comes in the wake of the Christmas Eve massacre that claimed 195 lives and displaced over 34,000 people.
Türk urged the Nigerian authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, and independent investigation into the incident, in line with international human rights law. He emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable through fair trials, stating, “The cycle of impunity fueling recurrent violence must be urgently broken.”
This call to action by the UN aligns with the sentiments of the international community, with both France and the United States condemning the attacks. The death toll from the recent attacks across Plateau villages has reached 195, sparking global outrage.
Parallel Facts reported that the attacks, suspected to be carried out by herdsmen, led to at least 112 deaths and injured 47 others in two local government areas in Plateau, Nigeria. The death toll has since risen as more bodies have been recovered.
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In response to the crisis, Bola Tinubu, who is currently holidaying at his residence in Lagos, has expressed his condemnation of the killings and ordered an investigation. He has also directed that relief materials be provided for the affected communities.
The situation has sparked widespread criticism among Nigerians, who have berated the government for its failure to protect its citizens. Amnesty International also joined in the condemnation, criticizing Mr. Tinubu for failing to protect communities in the state and Nigeria at large.
The story, therefore, shifts focus from the tragedy itself to the urgent call for action by the UN and the international community, highlighting the need for accountability and the end of impunity in order to curb the recurrent violence. #Plateau State