In the aftermath of the devastating Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State, which claimed almost 200 lives, the Defence Headquarters labels the incident a deliberate attempt to disgrace and undermine the Federal Government.
The attacks, occurring during the seventh month of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, have raised concerns about the government’s ability to ensure security.
In an exclusive interview with Channels TV, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, condemned the attacks in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi as “unfortunate” and unjustifiable, suggesting that the perpetrators aimed to embarrass and portray the government as ineffective.
General Musa revealed ongoing military efforts to apprehend those responsible for the heinous Christmas Eve killings. He also addressed criticisms regarding the military’s delayed response to distress calls from the attacked villages.
The death toll from the attack surpassed 195, prompting President Tinubu to condemn the violence and order relief for survivors. Vice President Kashim Shettima personally visited the state to express condolences.
In his New Year message, President Tinubu omitted any mention of the Plateau attack, emphasizing improved security since his inauguration in May. However, Amnesty International criticized Tinubu for his perceived failure to protect communities in Plateau State and throughout Nigeria.
The Christmas Eve tragedy underscores the challenges faced by the Federal Government in ensuring the safety of its citizens, as criticisms and concerns continue to mount over the adequacy of security measures.
