By POLYCARP AUTA

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has condemned the recent killings and wanton destruction of properties in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas (LGAs) of Plateau.

Rev. Stephen Panya-Baba, the President of ECWA, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

He called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take proactive steps toward addressing the spate of insecurity in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Police Command in the state disclosed that gunmen attacked 15 villages, killed 96 persons, destroyed 221 houses, farmlands and other property worth millions.

Panya-Baba, who decried that the affected areas were largely poor rural communities, called on humanitarian organisations to provide relief materials to support the victims.

“The horrendous and genocidal killings and destruction of property and other means of livelihood by very wicked, evil, criminal militias in over 20 villages of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi is reprehensible, ungodly, satanic, totally unacceptable and condemnable.

“As a church, we are pained that this attack was carried out against innocent and harmless people who were climaxing preparations to celebrate Christmas.

“Unfortunately, their joy turned into pain, weeping and sorrow. We pray that God will comfort the families of the bereaved and the entire church of God; and bring healing and restoration to all the injured.

“I appeal to relevant agencies of government, groups and individuals, to provide relief materials to the affected communities.

“I also appeal for adequate deployment of security forces to forestall any further attacks,” the president appealed.”

Panya-Baba, who commended efforts of the state government, also called on the residents to be more proactive about their personal safety. (NAN)

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