The Presidency has accused the opposition PDP of shedding crocodile tears by declaring a mourning period for people killed in Plateau state. A stateme
The Presidency has accused the opposition PDP of shedding crocodile tears by declaring a mourning period for people killed in Plateau state. A statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, on Thursday, gave a list of killings under PDP which it said the party never mourned. The statement said that it was sad and unfortunate that killings in Plateau state, have been turned to an opportunity to once again play irresponsible politics.
The presidency stated: “These are dolorous times that call for deep introspection on how cheap human lives have become, and the proffering of actionable ideas on how to get out of the bind. But the PDP would rather dance on the graves of the dead. A quick checklist of some savage and brutal killings in Nigeria during PDP rule, between 1999 and 2015, for which no national mourning was declared.
“November 20, 1999. Odi, in Bayelsa State, was invaded on orders of a PDP President. About 2,500 people killed. Between February and May 2000, about 5,000 people were killed during riots over Sharia law in different parts of the North. In 2001, hundreds of people, including the old, infirm, women and children were killed in Zaki Biam. Between September 7-12, 2001, Jos erupted in internecine killings. Between 500 and 1,000 people were killed.
In February 2004, at least 975 people were killed in Yelwa-Shendam, Plateau State. Between November 28 and 29, 2008, Jos was in flames again, with 381 deaths. In 2010, 992 people killed in Jos. In 2014 alone, according to Global Terrorism Index, at least 1,229 people were killed in the Middle Belt. Boko Haram killings in PDP years were over 10,000, yet they never declared national mourning. Those who take pleasure in twisting statements from the Presidency may claim we are saying that many more people were killed under PDP. It would be unconscionable to do so. Even a single soul is precious, and no man should take a life. But when tragic situations as had happened in Plateau State occur, such should never be used to play crude politics.”
