The Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society {HRGDS} Northwest section, strongly condemns the gruesome and senseless killing of no fewer than twenty-one innocent residents of Kawel Village in Mushere Kingdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to the Coordinator Northwest HRGDS, Hadjia Rukayya Abdulhafeez, “We are deeply saddened by the recurring cycle of violence that has continued to claim innocent lives, destroy communities, and undermine the peace and unity for which Plateau State has long been known.

“The latest attack, reportedly carried out while residents were asleep, represents yet another tragic reminder of the urgent need for more proactive and effective security measures to protect vulnerable communities.”

HRGDS extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Mushere Kingdom, the Government and people of Plateau State, and all those who have suffered irreparable losses as a result of these persistent attacks, praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.

The recurrence of these attacks, coming just days after the killing of a traditional ruler in the same local government area, is deeply troubling and unacceptable, it added.

“It is imperative that security agencies intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen rapid response mechanisms, and ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are identified, arrested, prosecuted, and brought to justice in accordance with the law”,HRGDS further said.

It calls on the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to work collaboratively towards addressing the root causes of insecurity and promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual trust among all communities.

It stressed that, “We further urge all residents of Plateau State to reject violence, reprisals, hate speech, and every form of ethnic or religious profiling. Lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, respect for human dignity, tolerance, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

“The Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society reiterates that no grievance, disagreement, or perceived injustice can justify the unlawful taking of human lives. Terror, irrespective of its source or motivation, remains an affront to humanity and a direct threat to peaceful coexistence, sustainable peace, national unity, and development.

“Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society therefore calls for a united front against all forms of terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism threatening Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria. The sanctity of human life must remain paramount, and every Nigerian deserves to live in peace, security, and dignity.”

According to HRGDS, “The time to end the bloodshed is now. Plateau must not continue to bleed.