Assaults in Plateau exhibit alarming trend, cautions American legislator

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A member of the US House of Representatives, Chris Smith, has condemned the recent killings in Plateau State, urging the Nigerian government to take urgent steps to protect Christian communities.

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Smith described the attacks as part of a “deeply disturbing pattern,” noting that the killings occurred during the Christian observance of Palm Sunday, a period leading to Easter.

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Gunmen had, on March 29, attacked a community bar in Jos, killing about 28 people. In a separate incident, over 50 persons were reportedly killed after assailants invaded Kimakpa village in Bassa LGA.

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The US lawmaker called on Nigerian authorities to deploy adequate security forces, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and uphold their constitutional responsibility to protect all citizens regardless of religion.

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He warned that repeated attacks during significant religious periods threaten peaceful coexistence and deepen human suffering.

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“The fact that such atrocities are repeated year after year on the same holy day, underscores the urgent need for decisive action.

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“As Christians in Nigeria observe Holy Week and approach Easter Sunday, a time of profound spiritual reflection and celebration, I urge the Government of Nigeria to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all Christian communities in the country. This includes deploying adequate security forces and holding perpetrators to account.

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“The Nigerian government has a fundamental responsibility, and constitutional duty, to protect all its citizens, regardless of their faith.

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“The continued failure to prevent and intercept these targeted attacks not only deepens human suffering, but also threatens the fabric of religious coexistence in the region.

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“The need for the government to step up and protect the lives and religious liberty of Nigerians cannot be overstated.

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“These savage killings, targeting Christians as they gathered during one of the most sacred times of the year, are incredibly heartbreaking and absolutely unacceptable.”

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Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, describing the violence as terrorism and noting that the perpetrators’ identities remain unclear.

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