ActionAid asks FG to address root causes of massacres

ActionAid Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to promptly address the root causes of the killings nationwide with a view to finding a realistic solution and promoting peaceful coexistence and productivity.

Its Country Director, Ene Obi, said the menace was escalating due to the seeming failure of the state to pro-actively take steps to confront the evident causes of the conflicts, thus endangering lives and property.

A statement by the body’s Communications Officer, Nihilola Ayanda, reads: “We are concerned that if this continues, civilians, especially young people, might wield arms and put the nation in a total state of insecurity.”

Commending the prompt visit by the presidency and sack of the erstwhile Plateau State Commissioner of Police, the country director noted that previous attacks had been carried out in the night but considered worrisome the latest ones that took place in broad daylight.

She pointed out that the claim by ex-CP Undie Adie that the police could not respond in time due to distance and road constraints showed the level of inequality in the country, an indication that only the rich and urban population have access to security.

Ene had stated that a good road network and a reliable community-based security infrastructure could have saved the lives of the people.

Her words: “As an organisation driven by the core value of justice and equity, we believe that all citizens have inalienable rights to co-exist peacefully as they engage in economic activities without hindrance.”

ActionAid therefore demanded that justice be served to bring the killers to book.