The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) strongly condemns the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, for what it perceives as a lackadaisical and inadequate approach to addressing the ongoing violence in Plateau State. In a press statement issued on Saturday, HURIWA expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence, particularly the Christmas Eve attacks on over 20 communities in the Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos areas.
HURIWA criticized General Musa’s response, highlighting the deployment of a Special Fact-Finding Team, led by retired Major-General Augustine Agundu, to investigate the root causes of the attacks. While acknowledging the military’s commitment to restoring peace, HURIWA contends that the CDS’s approach falls short of the decisive action required to apprehend the sponsors and perpetrators of the heinous acts.
The civil rights advocacy group raised questions about the accountability and effectiveness of key security figures, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commissioner of Police in Plateau state.
HURIWA criticized the decision to set up a Special Fact-Finding Team as a move politicizing terrorism, deeming the team’s visit to the Governor as an inadequate response to the gravity of the situation. The organization advocates for a more decisive and strategic approach by the CDS to unmask the culprits behind the Christmas Eve carnage in Plateau State.
The press statement insists that individuals responsible for security lapses, including the GOC, DSS Director, and Commissioner of Police, should undergo thorough investigations. HURIWA underscores the importance of accountability in governance and urges the CDS to overhaul the current strategy to prevent future occurrences of such violence.
HURIWA emphasized that if those entrusted with security responsibilities fail to act during attacks, they must be held accountable, asserting that accountability forms the foundation of effective governance. The organization contends that General Christopher Musa must reassess and modify the military’s strategy to prevent further bloodshed in Plateau State.
The press statement also raised concerns about instances where soldiers have been implicated in criminal activities, citing incidents such as the arrest of soldiers transporting ransom money and the kidnapping of the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Samuel Kanu-Uche.
“The recent abduction of Aondo Ver, a director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, further raises doubts about the military’s efficacy in safeguarding citizens. The incident, just 200 meters from a military post, underscores the need for a comprehensive and strategic overhaul of security measures”.
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HURIWA called on the CDS to address internal challenges, enhance the force’s credibility, and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the security forces and intelligence agencies regarding any complicity in the Plateau State attacks. The organization emphasized the critical role of accountability and urged a collaborative effort among security agencies, stakeholders, and the local community to restore lasting peace to Plateau State, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
