The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for his perceived insensitivity and failure to visit the site of the devastating Christmas Eve massacre in Plateau State. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party expressed deep disappointment with the President’s absence, labeling it a “dereliction of duty” and a display of “grave insensitivity.”
The Christmas Eve attack on Bokkos and Barkin Ladi communities resulted in numerous casualties and injuries. The PDP raised concerns about the lack of intelligence before and during the 48-hour ordeal, prompting questions about potential complicity at high levels.
“Nigerians are asking disturbing questions,” stated Ologunagba. “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 referenced former military leader Sani Abacha’s warnings about potential government involvement in such unrestrained violence.
The PDP’s statement demanded immediate action from President Tinubu, urging him to visit the affected communities and address the nation. Ologunagba insisted that the President should personally assure Nigerians that the perpetrators and their sponsors would be brought to justice.
The party also criticized the President’s reliance on aides and surrogates to convey condolences and offer assistance. Ologunagba emphasized the need for Tinubu to show empathy and leadership by being present on the ground, providing comfort to the victims and demonstrating a commitment to their safety.
Highlighting a contrasting example, Ologunagba referred to a video of President Joe Biden kneeling before the daughter of George Floyd to offer condolences, noting that Tinubu should draw a lesson from such displays of empathy. The statement concluded by characterizing President Tinubu’s apparent lack of empathy and reliance on proxies as unacceptable manifestations of insensitivity amidst the brutalization and massacre of citizens.
