Title: Report Reveals Over 346 Deaths in Three Months in Plateau State, Nigeria
Introduction:
A recent report released by the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, a human rights organization, highlights the alarming number of deaths in Plateau State, Nigeria. The report reveals that within a span of three months, at least 346 individuals lost their lives in eight local government areas of the state. The persisting violent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area alone claimed over 200 lives, making it the most affected area. The report sheds light on the urgency of addressing the escalating violence and its devastating consequences on the affected communities.
Statistics of Violence and Loss of Life:
Between April 17 and July 10, 2023, Plateau State witnessed a series of violent incidents resulting in loss of life. According to the report, the casualties include 17 people in Bokkos, 234 in Mangu, 39 in Barkin Ladi, 36 in Riyom, 5 in Jos North, 9 in Jos North, 5 in Mikang, and 1 in Bassa. The severity of the violence is deeply concerning, with the number of lives lost exceeding 200 in the Mangu Local Government Area alone.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Humanitarian Crisis:
The report also highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Plateau State, with approximately 18,751 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently residing in 14 camps. These IDPs have been forced to flee their homes due to the persistent violence. The Church of Christ in the Nations Local Church Councils is hosting 14 of these camps. Among the IDPs are 2,081 widows, 6,066 orphaned children aged between 0-5 years old, and a significant number of elderly individuals. The attacks have left a devastating impact on households, with 6,603 households affected by the deadly violence.
Urgent Call for Action:
Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, the Founder and Executive Director of the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, emphasizes the gravity of the situation and calls for immediate action. He expresses concern over the Federal Government’s apparent inability to address the escalating violence, suggesting a disregard for the suffering and loss of innocent lives. Para-Mallam warns that if left unchecked, these acts of terror may lay the foundation for nationwide terrorism. He stresses that the burden of ending the violence should not solely fall on the shoulders of the Governor of Plateau State or the President of Nigeria but on the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.
Conclusion:
The report released by the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation reveals a distressing picture of the escalating violence and loss of life in Plateau State. The increasing number of deaths, the displacement of thousands of people, and the suffering of affected communities demand urgent attention from all stakeholders. It is imperative for the government, security agencies, and the Nigerian society as a whole to unite and take decisive action to address the root causes of the violence, promote peace, and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.