Nigeria’s war is with poverty, not itself - VP Shettima on Plateau killings

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to shun violence and unite in the fight against poverty, as he condemned the ongoing attacks in Plateau State.

Speaking at the Validation Workshop on the Framework for Anticipatory Action in Nigeria, held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja on Wednesday, April 16, Shettima lamented the recent killings by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Plateau, describing the situation as a national tragedy.

“We have no business fighting each other. We should be fighting poverty,” Shettima said, urging Nigerians of all ethnicities, religions, and regions to embrace peace and solidarity.

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He emphasised that the continuous cycle of violence undermines national progress and diverts attention from urgent socio-economic challenges.

“The heart of the President bleeds, as does my heart and the heart of every conscientious Nigerian and African, with the tragedy unfolding in Plateau State,” he stated.

The Vice President’s remarks come amid renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the Middle Belt, particularly Plateau, where dozens have been killed and displaced in a series of attacks.

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The workshop, hosted by the Office of the National Security Adviser, gathered key stakeholders to deliberate on proactive strategies to prevent and respond to emerging security threats across the country.

Shettima's call for unity and compassion resonated with participants, as he framed peace as a security necessity and a prerequisite for economic development.

“Our diversity should be a strength, not a trigger for conflict,” he added, stressing the need for a collective national effort to tackle poverty, which he identified as a root cause of unrest.