The Northern Senators Forum has called for urgent action to stop the recurring attacks in Plateau State, saying condolences alone cannot end the bloodshed.

The forum made the call on Wednesday in a statement that was signed by its Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, while commiserating with families of victims of the latest attack in the state.

At least 25 people, mostly women and children, were reportedly killed in the overnight attack on Tuesday, August 18.

The senators also expressed sympathy with victims of previous attacks in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.
They said the state had witnessed repeated attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and other areas over the past three years.

According to the forum, the violence has claimed hundreds of lives, injured many others and displaced thousands of residents.

The attacks have also destroyed homes and farmlands, further worsening the hardship faced by affected communities.
The Northern Senators Forum commended the Nigerian Army and Operation Enduring Peace for their response to the latest attacks.

It also welcomed the deployment of more troops and equipment to troubled communities.

The forum particularly noted the relocation of the tactical headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace from Jos to Mangu Local Government Area.

It said the move would allow the military to monitor the situation more closely and respond faster to emerging threats.

The senators also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State and the interventions by the Federal Government.

However, they urged the Plateau State Government to do more within its constitutional and financial capacity.
The forum called for genuine dialogue between farmers, herders and traditional leaders to address disputes over land, grazing routes and compensation for destroyed property.

It also urged the state government to establish a transparent compensation and resettlement programme for victims and internally displaced persons.

The senators further called for the urgent deployment of drones, CCTV cameras and early warning systems in identified flashpoints, including the Ampang, Kombul, Mangu and Gindiri areas.

The forum said security should be focused on preventing attacks rather than responding only after lives and property have been lost.

It cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which places the security and welfare of citizens among the primary purposes of government.

The senators urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies in identifying and arresting those responsible for the attacks.

They also called on governments at all levels to move from reaction to prevention.
“This cycle of bloodshed must end,” the forum said.