The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has described the killing of Senator Gyang Dantong, chair of the Senate Committee on Health as a great loss to public health.
Dantong, Honorable Gyang Fulani, the Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly and several others were shot by unknown gunmen during the burial of people killed during a recent violence in Jos. The incident took place at Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement issued in Lagos, ERA/FoEN said the death of the Senator was wicked, condemnable and a sad reference on how security has degenerated in the country.
"Senator Datong's murder along with others is shocking and very sad indeed. It is another illustration of how our dear Nigeria is sliding dangerously," said ERA/FoEN Executive Director, Nnimmo Bassey.
According to ERA/FoEN Director, Corporate Accountability Campaigns, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Senator Dantong will be remembered for his contributions to the upliftment of public health, particularly tobacco control.
"ERA/FoEN has worked closely with Senator Dangtong for over eight years since his days as a member of the House of Representative. He was a perfect gentleman who cannot hurt a fly. He was a dependable ally during the debates the National Tobacco Control Bill (NTCB) which was passed by the Sixth Assembly.
Oluwafemi added: “while we pray to God to give his family the fortitude to bear this great loss. We urge the federal government to commence immediate investigation of the circumstances surrounding his death and bring perpetrators to Justice.”
ERA/FoEN also called on government to take drastic actions to arrest the deplorable security situation across the country, saying the killing of a serving Senator is indicative of the fact that “government is not on top of the situation.”
