The House of Representatives on Saturday called on the Minister of Defense to initiate a coordinated joint security operation within Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Nasarawa States with a view to flush out criminals and bandits and prevent them from escaping to other states.
The lawmakers also urged 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.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on ‘Matter of urgent public importance Order 8 Rule 4(1, 2 & 3)’ sponsored by Chairman, House Committee on Federal Character, Hon. Idris Wase and others, after which they observed one minute silence in honour of those killed during the massacre.
In his lead debate, Wase lamented that 12 villages in Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State namely: Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani village were attacked on the 24th December at 2200hrs, according to the preliminary police report.
“The House further noted that similarly on 24th December, 2023 at about 2245hrs, 3 villages in Barkin-Ladi LGA namely; NTV, Hurum and Darawat were also attacked.
“The House is informed that findings from the assessment of the ugly incidents in Bokkos LGA revealed that the total number of villages attacked is 12,221 houses were set ablaze, 27 motorcycles were burnt, 8 motor vehicles were burnt down and over 79 persons were killed, while 17 deaths was recorded in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area.
“The House is further informed that the death toll from the various attacks at Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State has surpassed over 200 as of 29th December 2023 with many others seriously injured according to several news sources.
“The House is aware that chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) particularly Section 14(2) (b) provides thus: ‘It is hereby accordingly declared that: the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government’.
“The House is further aware that up until this moment, security agencies are yet to identify the perpetrators of these heinous attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives of innocent citizens and destroyed properties worth millions.
“The House is worried that, if these dastardly attacks are left unchecked, they will escalate with time and worsen the already volatile security situation on the Plateau.
“The House is further worried that further escalation in these killings may lead to a conflagration in the whole of the North-Central zone which may spill unto other geopolitical zones in the country.”
To this end, the House resolved to, as a matter of urgency direct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately assess the extent of damage and displacement in attacked communities within the said Local Government Areas to provide necessary relief materials.
The House also urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately conduct a detailed investigation into these attacks to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The House also urged authorities of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMO) 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.
In the bid to avert future occurrences, the House tasked the Chief of Army Staff to establish Military presence/bases in the said Local Government Areas and other volatile areas of Plateau State.
The lawmakers further mandated the joint House Committee on Police, Defense, Army and National Intelligence to investigate the root cause of these incessant killings to provide lasting solutions.
The House also resolved to set up a delegation to visit the scenes of these killings to condole with families of victims and the Government and people of Plateau State.
While ruling on the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the session, mandates the joint 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.
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