Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dewan Gabriel, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent attacks in Doruwa community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, describing the incidents as tragic and heartbreaking.
In a public statement, Dewan condoled with the peace-loving people of Doruwa and the entire Plateau State over the loss of innocent lives, stressing that no grievance or provocation can ever justify the taking of human life.
He strongly condemned the night attack on the Doruwa community, reportedly carried out by suspected herdsmen, which claimed the lives of over nine residents. He described the assault on a sleeping community as a cruel and inhuman act that must be denounced without reservation.
“The night attack on Doruwa community, carried out under the cover of darkness, is wicked, cowardly, and unacceptable in any civilized society. No gain is worth the blood of innocent people,” he said.
The former Speaker also addressed a separate incident involving the killing of innocent road users along the same axis, clarifying that the attack was carried out by unknown persons and was not a reprisal action by the people of Doruwa.
He emphasized that the victims on the road, many of whom were Muslims, were innocent travelers who deserve justice, adding that the Doruwa community must not be falsely accused or stigmatized for crimes it did not commit.
“Let it be clearly stated: the people of Doruwa must not be falsely accused. The Muslim victims attacked on the road were innocent travelers who deserve justice, just as those killed in the night attack deserve justice,” Dewan emphasized.
He called on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to carry out a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into both incidents, insisting that all perpetrators—whether suspected herdsmen or other criminal elements—must be swiftly brought to justice to prevent further violence.
Dewan appealed for calm, restraint, and responsible leadership, urging residents not to allow criminals to exploit the situation to create religious or ethnic division across Plateau State.
He concluded by offering heartfelt condolences to all bereaved families, both Christian and Muslim, praying for comfort for the families and lasting peace for Doruwa, Barkin Ladi, and the entire state.
