The House of Representatives has urged the Chief of Army Staff to establish Military presence and bases in Local Government Areas in Plateau State where over 200 people where killed.
While urging the Inspector General of Police to immediately conduct a detailed investigation into these attacks with a view to identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to justice, the lawmakers warned that dastardly attacks are left unchecked, they will escalate with time and worsen the already volatile security situation in Plateau.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent importance moved by former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase during Saturday’s plenary.
Recall that several people were killed in attacks that occurred on last Saturday and Sunday in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas when residents were in a preparatory mood to celebrate this year’s Christmas.
The gunmen reportedly invaded some communities in the two LGAs, set fire to residential buildings and looted property, particularly in Mushu village.
Wase who represents Wase federal constituency, Plateau state, informed the house that findings from the assessment of the ugly incidents in Bokkos LGA revealed that 12 villages were attacked 221 houses were set ablaze, 27 motorcycles burnt, eight motor-vehicles were burnt down and over 79 persons were killed, while 17 deaths was recorded in Barkin-ladi LGA.
He said death toll from the various attacks at Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State has surpassed over 200 as at December 29, 2023 with many others seriously injured.
He expressed concerns that up until this moment, security agencies are yet to identify the perpetrators of these heinous attacks that has claimed hundreds of lives of innocent citizens and destroyed properties worth millions.
The house therefore directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately assess the extent of damage and displacement in attacked communities within the said Local Government Areas with a view to providing necessary relief materials.
It further urged Minister of Defense to initiate a coordinated Joint Security Operation within these Local Government Areas and adjoining towns located in Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Nasarawa States to flush out criminals and bandits and prevent them from escaping to other States.
“Urge the Chief of Air Staff in collaboration with the Chief of Army Staff to provide aerial surveillance and support to flush out criminal hideouts and camps.
“Urge the Department of State Services and Directorate of Military Intelligence to gather intelligence information on the influx, camping and operations of criminal groups within Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Mangu and other volatile Local Government Areas and adjoining towns and share same with other sister security agencies.
“Urge the Chief of Army Staff to establish Military presence/bases in the said Local Government Areas and other volatile areas of Plateau State.
“Mandate the House Committee on Police, Defense, Army and National Intelligence to investigate the root cause of these incessant killings with a view to providing lasting solutions.
“Urge this Honorable House to set up a delegation to visit the scenes of these killings in order to condole with families of victims and the Government and people of Plateau State.
“Direct the Committees on NEMA, Defense, Army, Air force, Police and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and furnish the House with a monthly report until the security situation is resolved.”
[ad unit=2]
