…Demands accountability, protection for affected communities
By Palma Ileye
ActionAid Nigeria has said it was outraged by the savage attack on Zike community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left over 40 innocent Nigerians dead in a single night.
AAN in a press release signed by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, stated that this cold-blooded massacre, carried out in the early hours of Monday, April 14, was yet another chapter in the shameful cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State.
The organization stated that this was not a sudden or unpredictable tragedy saying that the community members, raised alarms ahead of the attack, “They warned of threats. They called for help. But once again, they were ignored.”
According to the statement, “The attackers stormed Zike around midnight and operated for nearly two hours- killing, burning and destroying- while security forces were nowhere to be found.”
ActionAid Nigeria said it condemned this heinous act in the strongest possible terms and holds the Nigerian government accountable for its continued failure to protect lives of Nigerians in Plateau State and across the country.
“We stand in total and unshakable solidarity with the people of Zike and every community across Bassa, Bokkos, and Mangu that has suffered these atrocities.
“These are not numbers; these are human beings, families, farmers, and children. Nigerians who deserve to live in peace and dignity,” it said.
ActionAid Nigeria also demanded immediate and concrete action from both the Federal and Plateau State Governments.
These include: “A thorough, independent investigation into the Zike massacre- followed by prosecutions.
“The urgent deployment of well-equipped and accountable security personnel to protect high-risk communities.
“Direct humanitarian intervention for survivors: shelter, food, trauma care, and medical support.
“A clear and time-bound strategy to end impunity and prevent further violence, with full community participation.
“Structural peace building measures to address the root causes of the crisis- land disputes, ethnic tension, State neglect, and militarised impunity.”
ActionAid Nigeria also called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Defence Staff to go take action noting that, condemnations after each attack mean nothing if they were not followed by action.
ActionAid Nigeria added that it will continue to stand with the affected Nigerians, and amplify their voices.
