Northern Senators Condemn Plateau Attack, Mourn 25 Victims

The Northern Senators Forum has expressed condolences to families of victims of the latest deadly attack in Plateau State, where at least 25 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed in their homes on August 18.

The senators condemned the killings, saying Plateau State must not be allowed to remain caught in a cycle of violence, displacement and destruction.

In a statement issued by the forum’s chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the group described the latest incident as “one too many” and sympathised with families affected by the attack and previous violence in Mangu and other parts of the state.

According to the forum, Plateau has endured sustained attacks over the past three years, particularly in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and other local government areas.

It said the violence had claimed hundreds of lives, left thousands injured and displaced, while destroying homes, farms and other sources of livelihood.

The senators called for an immediate end to the bloodshed and commended the Nigerian Army and Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) for their response to the security situation.

They also welcomed the deployment of additional troops and equipment to affected communities and the reported relocation of OPEP’s tactical headquarters from Jos to Mangu Local Government Area.

The forum said the relocation would enhance operational coordination, provide commanders with closer oversight of affected areas and facilitate quicker responses to emerging threats.

It also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State and the Federal Government’s interventions aimed at restoring peace and security in the state.

However, the senators urged the Plateau State Government to take stronger measures, within its constitutional and budgetary responsibilities, to protect communities and tackle the causes of the recurring violence.

The forum called for sustained dialogue among farmers, herders and traditional institutions to resolve disputes relating to land use, grazing routes and compensation for destroyed homes and farmlands.

It further advocated a transparent compensation and resettlement programme for victims and internally displaced persons, stressing that justice rather than retaliation should be the basis for addressing the crisis.

The senators also urged the state government to urgently deploy modern security technologies, including drones, CCTV cameras and early-warning systems, especially in identified flashpoints such as Ampang, Kombul, Mangu and the Gindiri axis.

Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, the forum noted that the security and welfare of Nigerians constitute the primary purpose of government, stressing that the responsibility requires concrete action beyond expressions of sympathy.

The senators appealed to residents to remain calm and support security agencies in efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.

They also urged governments at all levels to shift from a reactive approach to insecurity towards a more preventive strategy built around intelligence gathering, early warning mechanisms and rapid response.

“May the souls of the deceased rest in peace. May God grant the injured quick recovery and comfort the bereaved,” the statement said.