Senate Takes Action on Plateau Killings
The Senate has taken a decisive step in response to the recent tragic massacre in Plateau State, which resulted in the loss of approximately 190 lives during Christmas Eve. In an effort to address the alarming security situation, the heads of various security agencies have been summoned to appear before the Senate.
The summoned officials include the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, as well as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The call for their appearance was made following a motion presented by Senator Diket Plant, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Additionally, the Senate has made several urgent recommendations to address the security crisis in Plateau State. These include the establishment of a monopoly barracks in Barkin Ladi LGA and the deployment of military forces to Magu LGA, which serves as a crucial border point for the criminals responsible for the attacks.
Moreover, the Senate has called for the deployment of intelligence and aerial surveillance in the affected local governments of Plateau State and its environs. In addition to these security measures, the Senate has urged the immediate provision of relief materials to assist the victims of the violence.
Furthermore, the Senate has stressed the need for stricter enforcement of environmental mining laws to curb illegal mining activities in the affected regions. This is seen as a vital step in addressing some of the underlying issues contributing to the security challenges in the state.
The Red Chamber has also highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue between traditional rulers and religious leaders in the affected areas, emphasizing the use of non-kinetic solutions to address the root causes of the crises.
In a show of solidarity with the people of Plateau State, the Senate has announced its intention to send a high-level delegation to the state to offer condolences and assess the situation on the ground. Additionally, a minute of silence was observed in honor of the victims of the tragic attack.
As discussions on the matter continued, Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed the need for the security chiefs to provide a comprehensive account of the intelligence failures leading up to the attack. He stressed the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Senate has also recognized the urgency of holding a national security summit to address the ongoing terrorist attacks in Plateau State.
The Senate’s prompt and decisive action in response to the devastating events in Plateau State demonstrates its commitment to addressing the security challenges facing the nation. By convening the heads of security agencies and making urgent recommendations, the Senate is taking concrete steps to address the crisis and prevent future occurrences. It is hoped that these measures will lead to tangible improvements in the security situation in Plateau State and beyond.
