APC Chieftain Vatsa Alleges Ethnic Cleansing Behind Plateau, Benue Killings
Vatsa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, has attributed the persistent killings in Plateau and Benue states to a calculated campaign of ethnic cleansing aimed at displacing indigenous communities from their mineral-rich lands.
In a statement issued in Minna, Vatsa condemned the recent killing of 13 farmers at a mining site in Angwan Maigiro, Allawa district of Shiroro Local Government Area, describing it as part of a broader strategy to seize control of fertile agricultural and mineral-rich territories.
He emphasized that the ongoing attacks, particularly in Shiroro, Rafi, Munya, and Paikoro local government areas, have been escalating since 2015, suggesting a deliberate attempt to displace native populations.
Vatsa expressed concern over the apparent immunity of illegal miners operating in these areas, noting that while farmers are being targeted, the miners continue their activities unchallenged. He questioned the relationship between the bandits and the miners, implying a coordinated effort to remove indigenous farmers from their lands.
Highlighting the economic implications, Vatsa warned that the displacement of farmers from these regions, which contribute significantly to food production, could exacerbate food insecurity in Nigeria.
He called on the Federal Government to take decisive action, asserting that the situation has surpassed the capacity of state governments. Vatsa urged for immediate intervention to protect the lives and livelihoods of the affected communities, emphasizing the need for political will to address the crisis effectively.
