U.S Condemns Plateau Attack, Says Perpetrators Must Be Brought To Justice

The United States has condemned in the strongest possible terms the recent killings in Plateau State.

In a statement by Ms Heather Nauert, Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, it said the perpetrators of the attacks should be brought to justice.

Plateau State has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons in the last 48 hours.

Suspected Fulani herdsmen butchered scores of people across three local governments of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Riyom villages of Gashish District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

Police confirm 86 deaths, but several reports put the casualties well above 150.

The state Police Command said 50 houses, two cars and 15 motorcycles were burnt in the attacks, which occurred on Saturday through Sunday.

“The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of civilians and destruction of property in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region over the weekend,” Nauert said.

“We are concerned by the recent increase in armed violence against civilians and call on all political and community leaders to lend their voices to peace and to work together to find lasting solutions to these rural conflicts.

“We join President Buhari and others in sending our deepest condolences to the affected communities, and in the desire to see the perpetrators brought to justice and to prevent further violence.”

The Plateau Government has since imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South local government areas following the attacks.

On his part, President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attacks, describing the incident as “very painful and regrettable”.