UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk expressed deep alarm at the tragic loss of life in Plateau State, north-central Nigeria. He decried the series of attacks on multiple rural communities on Christmas Eve that resulted in over 150 deaths and numerous injuries.
In a statement released on the UN website the UN chief said he is deeply alarmed by the series of attacks by gunmen on multiple rural communities in Plateau State, north-central Nigeria, on Christmas Eve, that left at least 150 people dead and many injured.
“I call on the Nigerian authorities to investigate this incident promptly, thoroughly and independently, consistent with international human rights law, and to hold those responsible to account in fair trials”.
“The cycle of impunity fueling recurrent violence must be urgently broken. The Government should also take meaningful steps to address the underlying root causes and to ensure non-recurrence of this devastating violence”
Gunmen last week attacked over 17 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, north central Nigeria killing over 150 people. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, although blame fell on herders from the Fulani tribe, who have been accused of carrying out such mass killings across the northwest and central regions where the decades-long conflict over access to land and water has further worsened the sectarian division between Christians and Muslims in the country
