Guard Time Information, a human rights advocacy organisation, has condemned the killing of no fewer than 21 residents of Kawel Village in Mushere Kingdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the attack as a barbaric act of terrorism that must not go unpunished.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chairman of the organisation, Comrade Bibi Oduku, expressed outrage over the massacre, saying the continued bloodshed in Plateau State poses a grave threat to peace, security and human dignity.
Oduku lamented that innocent residents were reportedly attacked and killed while asleep, stressing that the incident underscores the urgent need for more proactive and effective security measures to protect vulnerable communities.
“We are deeply saddened by the recurring cycle of violence that continues to claim innocent lives, destroy communities, and undermine the peace and unity for which Plateau State has long been known,” he said.
The group extended its condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Mushere Kingdom, and the Plateau State Government, while praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured during the attack.
Guard Time Information noted that the latest killings came shortly after the murder of a traditional ruler in the same local government area, describing the trend as deeply troubling and unacceptable.
The organisation called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen rapid response mechanisms and ensure that those responsible for the killings are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper revealed that the rights group also urged the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to work together in tackling the root causes of insecurity and promoting dialogue and reconciliation among communities.
While acknowledging that government bears the primary responsibility for protecting lives and property, the group encouraged residents to strengthen lawful neighbourhood watch structures, improve information sharing with security agencies and remain vigilant against suspicious activities.
Oduku further appealed to Plateau residents to reject violence, reprisals, hate speech and all forms of ethnic or religious profiling, insisting that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, tolerance and respect for human dignity.
The organisation maintained that no grievance or disagreement can justify the unlawful taking of human lives, warning that terrorism, banditry and violent extremism remain serious threats to national unity and sustainable development.
“The time to end the bloodshed is now. Plateau State must not continue to bleed,” Oduku declared, urging authorities at all levels to take decisive action to restore public confidence and ensure justice for the victims.
