The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to visit the site of the devastating Christmas Eve massacre in Plateau State.
In a statement released by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the party expressed deep disappointment with the President’s absence, calling it a “dereliction of duty” and a sign of “grave insensitivity.”
The attack on Bokkos and Barkin Ladi communities, which took place days before Christmas, claimed dozens of lives and left many injured.
The PDP, in its statement, questioned the lack of intelligence before and during the 48-hour ordeal, raising concerns about potential complicity at high levels.
“Nigerians are asking disturbing questions,” Ologunagba stated. “Why did intelligence fail? Why did the attacks go on for so long? Are there officials who turned a blind eye to this tragedy?” He further alluded to the comments of former military leader Sani Abacha, who famously warned about the possibility of government involvement in such unrestrained violence.
The statement demanded immediate action from President Tinubu. “He must visit the affected communities and address the nation,” Ologunagba insisted. “He must personally assure Nigerians that the perpetrators and their sponsors will be brought to justice.”
The PDP also criticised the President’s reliance on aides and surrogates to convey condolences and offer assistance. “Sending proxies is not enough,” Ologunagba said. “President Tinubu needs to show empathy and leadership by being present on the ground, offering comfort to the victims and demonstrating his commitment to their safety.”
He added, “Of course, the whole world witnessed the video of President Joe Biden kneeling before the daughter of George Floyd to offer his condolences on behalf of the United States for the brutal murder of her father. President Tinubu ought to have drawn a lesson from that.
“The apparent lack of empathy and the tokenism of sending proxies to Plateau State is unacceptable and clear manifestation of insensitivity by a President who remains unconcerned and fiddles in the comfort, luxury and pleasure of the Presidential villa while his citizens are mercilessly being brutalized and massacred by terrorists. President Tinubu must wake up from his slumber and be alive to his responsibility as President.
“The PDP also reiterates its call for an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the Genocide; an international crime perpetuated on the peaceful, defenceless and innocent people of Plateau State on Christmas eve.”
