By Ibrahim Yusuf Dembo.
15th April 2025.
The statement issued by the Presidency through its spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, concerning the Plateau killings was deemed unacceptable. The statement partially read, “He encourages community, spiritual, and political leaders within and beyond the state to unite and end the cycle of retaliatory attacks that have made life unbearable for affected communities.
However, the criticism extends to President Bola Tinubu’s absence and perceived inaction. Notably, while the President was in France, there were no visible signs of him engaging in official business related to Nigeria, sparking concerns about his priorities.
According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu has vowed to bring the perpetrators of the Plateau attacks to justice, describing the killings as “unacceptable” and a threat to national peace. The President expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, emphasizing the need for unity to end the cycle of violence.
Under normal circumstances, the President should have flown to Plateau State immediately after receiving the distressing report of tens of people being killed. It’s common knowledge that the Governor lacks the authority to direct security operations, a fact likely known to the terrorists as well. So, why is the President seemingly abandoning the people of Plateau State to fend for themselves?
This concern is not unprecedented, as similar criticisms were leveled against former President Muhammadu Buhari for not taking decisive action against known perpetrators of violence in the North Central states. Analysts argue that such inaction emboldens attackers, allowing the cycle of violence to continue.
Over a hundred people were brutally murdered in cold blood in Plateau State, despite the visit from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyedi. The attackers went on to commit another barbaric act in Bassa Local Government Area, leaving over forty dead and injured.
Recent attacks in the state have been devastating, with over 52 people massacred in Bokkos local council and 47 killed in an attack on Zike, Kimakpa communities in Bassa LGA. The Plateau State government has expressed deep concern over these incidents, citing the occupation of communities by bandits as a significant factor fueling tensions in the region.
The killings in Plateau State are not mere communal clashes or farmer-herder crises; they constitute a deliberate attack on the people of Plateau State. As one of Nigeria’s wealthiest states, endowed with numerous natural resources, Plateau has become a target for forces seeking to exploit its wealth. It appears that certain machinations have been employed to perpetrate this genocidal act, to displace the people from their ancestral land.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has acquired over 10 Tucano Jets to combat terrorism in the country. However, their whereabouts and effectiveness remain unclear, especially given the recent attacks in Plateau State. Despite the government’s efforts to address insecurity, the jets and helicopters seem noticeably absent from the affected areas.
It’s concerning that the government’s response has been questioned, with some criticizing the delay in deploying security forces to affected areas. Bayo Onanuga’s statement downplaying the attacks as a “communal clash” has also been met with criticism. Given the severity of the situation, it’s essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of Plateau State’s residents.
Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. This provision presents the security and welfare of the people as an indivisible and paramount objective. If the government fails to achieve this primary purpose, it would likely undermine its ability to accomplish other objectives, rendering them baseless, meaningless, or frustrated.
According to John Locke’s social contract theory, individuals voluntarily surrender certain rights to a government in exchange for protection and the preservation of social order. This foundational concept in political philosophy asserts that a government’s legitimacy stems from the consent of the governed. Locke’s theory, as outlined in his seminal work “Two Treatises of Government,” posits that people establish governments to safeguard their natural rights, including life, liberty, and property.
According to John Locke, a government’s primary responsibility is to protect the lives, liberties, and property of its citizens. If a government fails to fulfill its obligations under the social contract, Locke argues that citizens have the inherent right to resist and even alter or abolish the government. This right to resistance is not a license for anarchy but rather a means to hold governments accountable to the people and ensure they act in the public interest.
The concept emphasizes that a government’s power is derived from its ability to protect its citizens. If this protection is withdrawn or abused, the government’s authority is undermined. This idea is central to John Locke’s social contract theory, which posits that governments exist to safeguard citizens’ rights and interests. When a government fails to fulfill this duty, its legitimacy is called into question, and citizens may resist or seek change.
The ongoing attacks on the people of Plateau State appear to be a calculated and planned action. The state’s natural resources seem to be a significant factor drawing the interest of those who prioritize exploitation over human life. This genocide could potentially displace the local population, allowing external actors to claim ownership of the land.
Since the Federal Government has seemingly abandoned us to our fate, we have no choice but to engage our youths in forming our homegrown security. This approach is supported by the DSS Chief, Oluwatosin Ajayi, who confirmed that his village has successfully implemented community-based security. Quoted by Barr. Solomon Dalung, former Minister for Youths and Sports, on a programme on Jay FM radio 101.9. Jos.
