The Network for Democracy and Development, NDD has condemned the weekend massacre of more than twenty Muslim faithful by a local militia in Jos, Plateau State.
This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by the National Coordinator of the group, Mr Tajudeen Alabede and the Director of Public Affairs, Dr AbdulWasiu Moshood.
NDD notes that the hapless victims never knew what was in store for them while those who paid the ultimate price never knew that death was lurking.
“The victims, dead or wounded, were no more than travellers who were on a return journey from a Muslim religious event. Their journey, which became a journey of no return for many of them, involved passing through that section of Plateau State which witnessed communal crisis in recent time”.
The group explains that even the lucky ones among the victims had a taste of terror as they were visited with both physical and mental injury which may take a lifetime to heal.
NDD emphasizes that it was surprised that such barbaric attack by the militia could happen during the broad day light and in the middle of a town!
“This is not an ordinary crime. The barbaric attack by the militia did not happen during dark hours or in a dark corner. Video clips of the incident which were widely circulated in the public space showed that the killing took place in broad daylight and in the middle of a town! ”
“What’s more, the victims could not have been the only commuters on that road on the day. They must have been marked out. This context shows that the murderous rage was well-planned by an organised group. Thus, all arguments about mistaken identity are grossly inaccurate and insensitive as the victims, almost a hundred in number, belong to an entirely different cultural group. How would anyone be excused for the mass killing based on the alibi of mistaken identity? Even in event of a known identity, is it right for any citizen to be a victim of extra-judicial killing?”
NDD calls on governments to put in place permanent, sustainable and efficient measures that will deepen national integration”.
“We are disappointed that there is yet to be enacted a National Integration Framework that would foster reconciliation and make citizens feel safe and secure anywhere they may find themselves in Nigeria. Across the country, attempts at preventing inter-cultural crises are largely ad-hoc and tentative. Besides, the nation needs a strong deterrence mechanism that would make conflict entrepreneurs and their foot soldiers think twice before they execute their evil plans against fellow citizens”.
“The unfortunate incident brings to the fore the senselessness of the high level of mistrust and hatred among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds in the country. In many situations of local crises, those who share religious and/or ethnic affinity with local opponents, even if they are far removed from the local community, pay a heavy price. This is what played out in the instant case”.
The group enjoins the concerned authorities to ensure that the criminals are brought to book.
“As a first step, those who played a part in this horrendous crime must be made to face the full weight of the law. In this and other similar cases, justice must be done within the quickest time possible and in a way that would send a strong message to other citizens. The vicious cycle of impunity must be broken”.
NDD prays for the repose of the souls of the dead citizens and sympathises with their families.