The Northern Senators Forum has denounced the horrific killings of innocent passengers in Plateau State as a “barbaric and cowardly act” that jeopardises Nigeria’s unity.
An 18-seater bus carrying passengers from the Basawa hamlet in Zaria, Kaduna State, to Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State was ambushed by unidentified attackers last Friday.
According to reports, the attack happened in Plateau’s unstable Mangu Local Government Area, which has seen sporadic unrest in recent months.
Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the forum’s chairman, issued a statement on Saturday expressing the sympathies of the forum to the families of the victims over the killings.
“On behalf of the Forum, I extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Kaduna State, particularly the bereaved families affected by this heinous attack,” Yar’Adua said.
He described the killings as a direct assault on the fundamental rights of Nigerians to live and move freely within the country, as guaranteed by Section 41 of the Constitution.
“This kind of mindless violence is unacceptable in any civilised society.
” It undermines our collective values and threatens the fabric of our national unity,” he said.
The senators urged the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen its intelligence-gathering capability in order to prevent such attacks and make sure that those responsible are promptly brought to justice.
In order to improve security services’ efforts to prevent crime, they also encouraged the federal government to give them access to contemporary communication tools.
In a bid to de-escalate tensions, the forum also appealed to communities in the affected areas to remain calm and resist any urge to carry out reprisal attacks.
“We also urge the Plateau State Government to intensify efforts at fostering peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious communities in the state,” the statement added.
Reiterating their commitment to justice, Yar’Adua emphasised the forum’s dedication to work with security and government agencies to prevent further bloodshed.
“Our thoughts are with the victims’ families. We pray Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest and Jannah,” Yar’Adua concluded.
