A youth group under the auspices of Bokkos Concerned Youths (BCY) has condemned what it describes as the targeted attacks, mass killings, and sacking of 10 communities by suspected herdsmen militias in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
At a press conference held on Tuesday in Jos, the group expressed concerns over the incessant attacks in Bokkos communities by the terrorists and the annexation of more than 10 communities which have been totally sacked and occupied by bandits.
Chris Daley, BCY Public Relations Officer, who addressed the press conference, decried the fact that for many years, innocent people have been subjected to senseless killings, displacements, and kidnappings by the terrorists.
According to the group, more than 61 communities have suffered violent attacks leaving several persons killed and displaced in the council.
“Communities like Hokk, Nawula, Pangkap, Luwapan, Fokoldep, Dangru, Bodel, Duun, Dulu, among others, have been taken over by the terrorists.
“With our naked eyes, we have seen innocent families of 10, nine, and more being completely wiped away, leaving thousands of lives lost and properties worth billions destroyed by the activities of these bandits,” BYC lamented.
The BCY said intelligence reports have shown that the attacks have been premeditated and targeted with the bandits’ clear aim to intimidate, displace, and annihilate the farming communities, sometimes with the connivance of corrupt military personnel.
“We can no longer ignore the actions of corrupt personnel within the military in some communities within Bokkos LGA as ever since these attacks occurred, no single arrest has been made.”
They also accused some military personnel of aiding and abetting the armed terrorists, stressing that such betrayal of trust and duty was reprehensible and would not go unpunished.
“We, however, call on the government to empower communities with the tools, skills, and resources needed to rebuild and recover from these attacks.
“We also urge the government to engage with local leaders, civil society, organisations, and traditional leaders to identify and address terrorist activities.
“We urge the government to invest in economic development, education, and social services in vulnerable communities.
“These investments can help to address the underlying drivers of poverty, inequality, and exclusion, which can further contribute to radicalisation and insecurity,” The group added.
