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Raise your voice for Christians devastated by violent attacks in Plateau State, Nigeria

Terrible violence rocked villages near Jos, the capital of Plateau State, in January and March, leaving hundreds of Christians dead, many more homeless and churches destroyed.

Early on 7 March, three farming villages were attacked by Muslim Fulani herdsmen who set fire to 75 houses and left hundreds dead. The victims included many women and children, even babies, who were killed with machetes. Less than two weeks later, on 17 March, similar horrific violence left 13 more dead in two other villages.

The military and police have been accused of doing too little too late to protect the people in these villages; some army officials are reported as being complicit with the Islamic gangs. Christians in neighbouring villages live in fear of similar attacks.

Please send an email or letter now to the Nigerian High Commissioner, Dr Dalhatu Tafida, to urge that the perpetrators of these vicious attacks are held accountable, that victims are compensated and that the Nigerian authorities do their utmost to restore peace and security in Plateau State, as the situation remains tense.

More information about Nigeria and the recent attacks is here.

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H.E. Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida
High Commissioner
Nigerian High Commission
9 Northumberland Avenue
London
WC2N 5BX

Subject

Your Excellency,

I would like to express my deep concern at the continuing violence in northern and central Nigeria, most recently in Plateau State in January and March this year, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives and thousands of internally displaced people.

Recognising that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy and party to several international covenants on human rights, I appreciate your Federal Government's commitment to investigate and bring an end to the violence in Nigeria.

May I urge your government to do everything possible to ensure that those who planned and those who perpetrated the violence are also swiftly brought to justice and that victims receive swift and adequate compensation, regardless of their religious affiliation?

Particular attention should be given to the role of the army, which has been reported as inadequately enforcing the curfew and failing to provide protection to vulnerable communities in remote areas of Plateau State. High ranking army officials, including Major General Saleh Maina, General Officer Commanding the Third Armoured Division, have been accused of serious lapses in security and intelligence and also of partisan behaviour. These individuals need to be brought to justice to send a powerful message to others that Nigeria condemns such behaviour, which resulted in hundreds of Nigerians being murdered.

In the light of the loss of so many lives and the ongoing violence, I further urge you to call upon the Federal and State authorities of Nigeria to take speedy and decisive action to restore peace and harmony in Plateau State. Ending impunity for the cycle of violence in many parts of Nigeria is a prerequisite for sustainable peace, stability and security, and for the country's social, economic and political development.

Your Excellency, I trust that you will forward my concerns to the President of Nigeria.

I would be grateful if you would you let me know what is being done to address the concerns I have outlined above. Thanking you in anticipation, and assuring you of my prayers for Nigeria at this time.

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H.E. Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida

Nigerian High Commission

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Raise your voice for Christians devastated by violent attacks in Plateau State, Nigeria

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