THE INSIGHT: As The Year Ends In Mindless Killings

The year 2023 has been traumatic, chaotic and tragic. It is a year that may not likely be hurriedly forgotten in our memories. This is because the year started on a hard note with naira scarcity, and also ending on a harder note with mindless killings.

I write this in lieu of the Plateau massacre. Perhaps it is no longer news that some yet-to-be identified gunmen unleashed brutal attacks on communities in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local government areas of Plateau State. At the last count, 195 innocent villagers were gruesomely killed barely few hours to sacred Christmas celebration. I reliably learnt that more than 1, 290 houses were burnt down during the coordinated banditry attacks. Lives were lost. Properties were destroyed. Many were severely injured. Over 10,000 persons have been displaced. Older people were dehumanized. The younger ones were traumatized. This is sad tale to tell at end of the year.

While the incident is deeply painful to bear, it is even more worrisome that a week after these unwarranted attacks, our gallant security agencies are yet to make any arrest. No one has been apprehended. It has just become a normal trend. After terrorist attacks, what we get from government and its security agencies are statements condemning the attacks, and sometimes high-powered ceremonial visits to the ravaged communities just as we've seen during this administration. Until another attack is unleashed, we may not hear anything again. That is sad. More sad when victims of Kaduna military airstrikes are still mourning their loved ones.

Besides Plateau attacks, there is growing insecurity in different parts of the country. Just recently a RCCG Pastor along with three others was killed as bandits attacked Abuja, Niger communities. This was even as the attackers abducted 39 residents. A breakdown revealed that 13 people were abducted in Garam town in Niger state, while 18 residents were kidnapped in Kuduru town Abuja. In Azu community in Niger State, bandits invaded, killed three persons and abducted eight others. Anambra, Zamfara and Katsina States have also been a centre of horrific killing of innocent people by armed men. Killings and kidnappings are now on the high scale. As a matter of fact, reports showed that no fewer than 6,645 HUMAN LIVES were lost to violence and various forms of insecurity across the country in 2023. This bloodbath is too much. Nigeria is not at war!

The above is a clear picture that the insecurity in the country is getting worse. But, something drastic must be done to stop these ugly tragedies. Even though we have seen reactions and threats from the security agencies, yet they need to seriously walk the talk. Even as this writer is aware of the gallant efforts of our troops to get rid of these callous non-state actors, it is expedite to charge them to put more efforts. Also, the government must nip the senseless incessant killings in the bud. It is a constitutional responsibility that the government owes its citizenry. If the country cannot be made like heaven, it should at least be a haven for us to live without fear. In my probably next column, I would write on how the government can tackle the prolonged insecurity.

Meanwhile, as the traumatic 2023 bids us goodbye, may the 2024 bring comfort, joy and peace to us. On behalf of my family, I wish us all peaceful and prosperous new year.

©️ 2023. Damilare Adeleye is a social commentator and journalist.