US CONDEMNS LATEST ATTACK IN PLATEAU VILLAGE

SOURCE: LEADERSHIP

The United States has condemned in strong terms the recent violent
attack in Shonong village, Plateau State, calling on the federal
government to properly investigate the incident and bring the culprits
to book.
The US made the condemnation in a statement issued yesterday by its
embassy in Nigeria, a copy of which was made available to LEADERSHIP
yesterday. It described the attack as barbaric and immoral. It added
that communal peace must be pursued by stakeholders to grow the
nation's fledgling democracy.
The statement reads in part, "We condemn the recent attacks in Shonong
village, Plateau State, on January 6, where reports indicate that
women and children were killed in senseless violence. We are
concerned by the cyclical nature of reprisal killings that undermines
inter-communal relations in the Middle Belt region.
"Nigeria's diversity and the harmony among its people remain a source
of great strength for its democracy. We urge the citizens of Plateau
State to work toward a peaceful resolution of conflicts and
grievances. We also urge the government of Nigeria to investigate
this attack, hold the responsible parties accountable, and work to
provide increased security for civilians to prevent future acts like
this from taking place."