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World News

Christian charity urges Nigerian government to protect vulnerable communities

by Eno Adeogun

At least eleven people were killed and twelve injured over the weekend in a drive-by shooting in the Du community of Jos in Plateau state, officials have confirmed.

According to eyewitnesses, shots were fired on people in their shops and on the road using semi-automatic weapons before the terrorists sped off minutes later.

 

Christian Solidarity Worldwide's (CSW) Chief Operations Officer, Scot Bower voiced his concerns in a statement and said: "CSW extends its deepest condolences to all who have lost loved ones in these latest attacks.

"We are particularly disturbed by reports that a woman who survived a militia attack in Plateau state was subsequently killed in cold blood by soldiers who should have been safeguarding her community.

"The government must regain the trust of vulnerable communities, not only by providing timely and adequate protection, but also by ensuring this murder is investigated in a swift and transparent manner, with any identified suspects facing trial or court martial.

"Once again. CSW urges the federal and state governments to prioritise rehabilitation and justice for traumatised survivors, and to refrain from victimizing them further.

"We also echo local appeals for the international community and relevant UN officials to raise the relentless loss of life in the indigenous communities of central Nigeria with the government, and to urge it to address the violence committed by the Fulani militia in a swift, decisive and unbiased manner."

The Middle Belt Forum, in a statement signed by its coordinator of public communication, condemned the attack and said: "The terrorist attacks on the people of Plateau state have entered a new dimension with the drive-by shooting."

The statement added that the incident was "one too many in a week filled with renewed attacks on the people of Plateau state".

The shooting follows the murders last week of a Nigerian priest and his wife and three children who were also killed by suspected Muslim Fulani militia herdsmen, in Plateau State.

Rev Adamu Gyang Wurim and his family died after their home was set alight less than 24 hours after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Northern region, ended a two-day peace summit in the state's capital Jos.

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