MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on  recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria

6.2.2024 - (2024/2552(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Katalin Cseh, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dita Charanzová, Bernard Guetta, Svenja Hahn, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Karen Melchior, Javier Nart, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Dragoş Pîslaru, Frédérique Ries, María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos, Ramona Strugariu, Dragoş Tudorache, Hilde Vautmans
on behalf of the Renew Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0105/2024

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B9‑0117/2024

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria

(2024/2552(RSP))

The European Parliament,

 – having regard its Rule 144,

1. Whereas, between the 23 and 25 of December 2023, in Plateau state, Nigeria, a series of attacks devastated at least 17 rural communities in the regions of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi, resulting in a reported minimum of 200 fatalities, over 300 wounded and 10.000 people displaced, according to local authorities and international organizations; whereas guns and machetes were used by the attackers; whereas responsibility for these attacks remains unclaimed;
2. Whereas, on the 23 and 24 of January 2024, a new wave of violent attacks occurred in multiple villages located in the regions of Mangu and Barkin Ladi, in Plateau state, leading to at least 30 reported fatalities and numerous injuries, including women and children; whereas there were reports indicating extensive destruction of houses and property during these attacks;
3. Whereas multiple reports highlight an excessively delayed response by security forces, leaving communities in these remote areas vulnerable to violence.
4. Whereas Plateau state is characterized by its rich ethnic and religious diversity; whereas the historical inter-communal conflict in the region has resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives in recent years;
5. Whereas the consequences of climate change and the expansion of agriculture contribute to sharp competition for land and water, intensifying conflicts between farmers and herders and prompting the migration of nomadic cattle herders from the arid northern regions of Nigeria to the south;
6. Whereas Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is a key player in Africa's economy with abundant resources, galloping demographics and extreme inequality; whereas Nigeria suffers of the presence of terrorist groups, notably Boko Haram and holds an important role in regional and international security forums;

 

1. Deplores the ongoing attacks in Plateau state and expresses solidarity with the affected communities;
2. Urges the Nigerian government to prioritize the safeguarding of its citizens, deploy efficient security measures, and ensure a prompt and concrete response to incidents of violence; calls on the Nigerian authorities to conduct thorough investigations and bring perpetrators of violence to justice, ensuring accountability for human rights violations;
3. Expresses concern about multiple reports indicating an apparent lack of engagement and intervention by federal government troops, who have been present in Plateau state since the Christmas attacks;
4. Urges the Nigerian Government to diligently implement the National Livestock Transformation Plan, aiming to protect the interests of both farmers and pastoralists; stresses the imperative for additional measures, including the reinforcement of conflict mediation, resolution and reconciliation mechanisms;
5. Deeply worried about the increasing impact of climate change on lives and livelihoods, particularly in Nigeria's Middle Belt, emphasizing the pressing need for long-term solutions to protect natural resources and ensure equitable access;
6. Calls for the EU to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the devastated communities of Plateau state and reinforce its development efforts in Nigeria;
7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the EU High Representative, EEAS, the President and Parliament of Nigeria and the OACPS-EU JPA.