By Raphael Jov, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress has said it is deeply saddened by the renewed violence in Barkin-Ladi and Riyom Local Governments of Plateau State and their environs leading to the killing of over 86 persons ( as per police report) by suspected killer-herdsmen at the weekend.
This was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Ayuba Wabba, mni, the Natonal President of the NLC which was made available to newsmen in Abuja.
“We are disturbed by the range of targets, the duration of these attacks and the scope of casualties and destruction.
“Even in a full scale war with another country,the statistics are numbing.
“Therefore, for the umpteenth time we condemn these killings in their entireity.
“They are senseless and barbaric and threaten to shatter once and for all the bonds of brotherhood and peaceful co-existence.
“Accordingly, our security, though stretched, must be seen to do more to restore the confidence of the civil populace. If the emerging allegations are true that the attacks went on unchecked for hours, then something needs to be done about the reaction time of our internal security operations in the state.
“Beyond this, the Federal and Plateau State Governments in consultation with the parties to this bloody conflict should design a frame work for an enduring peace.
“The governments should quickly move to rebuild these communities and restore shattered lives as well as put and end to this anarchy.
“In spite of the fact that emotions understandably run high at the moment, it is important to appreciate the fact that reprisal attacks cannot bring the much needed peace. Peace lies in dialogue and in squarely addressing the underlying causes of the problem.
“Time to frankly talk to ourselves is now.”
