ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence

ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has condemned the massacre in Plateau State that left over 40 persons dead, describing it as yet another chapter in the shameful cycle of violence.

AAN, in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu said it
is “outraged by the savage attack on Zike community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left over 40 innocent Nigerians dead in a single night. This cold-blooded massacre, carried out in the early hours of Monday, April 14, is yet another chapter in the shameful cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State.”

It insisted that: “This was not a sudden or unpredictable tragedy. Community members, raised alarms ahead of the attack. They warned of threats. They called for help. But once again, they were ignored. The attackers stormed Zike around midnight and operated for nearly two hours- killing, burning and destroying- while security forces were nowhere to be found.”

The statement further read that: “ActionAid Nigeria condemns this heinous act in the strongest possible terms and holds the Nigerian government accountable for its continued failure to protect lives of Nigerians in Plateau state and across the country.

“We stand in total and unshakable solidarity with the people of Zike and every community across Bassa, Bokkos, and Mangu that has suffered these atrocities. These are not numbers; these are human beings, families, farmers, and children. Nigerians who deserve to live in peace and dignity.

“ActionAid Nigeria demands immediate and concrete action from both the Federal and Plateau State Governments. These include:

“A thorough, independent investigation into the Zike massacre- followed by prosecutions.

“The urgent deployment of well-equipped and accountable security personnel to protect high-risk communities.

“Direct humanitarian intervention for survivors: shelter, food, trauma care, and medical support.

“A clear and time-bound strategy to end impunity and prevent further violence, with full community participation.

“Structural peace building measures to address the root causes of the crisis- land disputes, ethnic tension, state neglect, and militarised impunity.

The statement further added that: “ActionAid Nigeria also calls on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Defence Staff to go take action. Condemnations after each attack mean nothing if they are not followed by action.

“ActionAid Nigeria will continue to stand with the affected Nigerians, and amplify their voices.”

ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence