Summoned by the Senate: Military and Security Heads to Answer for Plateau Massacre
Following the recent Christmas eve killings in various parts of Plateau State, the Senate has taken the initiative to summon the heads of the military, security, and intelligence agencies in the country. This decision was prompted by a motion presented by Senator Diket Plang, representing the Plateau Central Senatorial District.
The summoned officials include, among others, the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Senator Plang emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that approximately 195 people, predominantly women and children, lost their lives in the recent violence. He characterized the attack as highly coordinated and advocated for the use of drones and cameras to monitor the activities of the assailants.
Additionally, Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, supported the motion by disclosing his visit to the Teaching Hospital in Jos, where he encountered three-month-old babies injured by the gunfire. He argued that the alleged perpetrators of the atrocity were foreign nationals who were unfamiliar with the terrain and were assisted by locals who were knowledgeable about the area.
Moreover, former governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, expressed his sorrow over the recent attack, highlighting the extensive devastation of the land, which has prevented displaced individuals from returning to their homes. Other senators contributing to the debate questioned why the military and security agencies had not utilized technology and intelligence gathering to counter insecurity in the country.
These deliberations culminated in the agreement that the Plateau State Government should strengthen its anti-illegal mining laws to deter criminals from securing sites through illegal artisanal mining. Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed a motion to summon the heads of security and intelligence agencies and the service chiefs for a briefing. Oshiomhole emphasized the necessity for the security chiefs to provide a detailed account regarding the inadequate intelligence gathering that could have prevented the massacre. The Senate President also instructed the chamber to observe a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the attacks.
In response to the tragedy, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the communities of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi to offer his condolences. As discussions continue around the tragic events, it is evident that practical changes aimed at addressing the notable intelligence and security challenges in the region must be promptly implemented. The preparedness of security agencies to tackle the myriad of challenges in Plateau State needs to be translated into concrete action that will bring about genuine and effective change.
