Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang confirmed on Monday that at least 50 people fell victim to ruthless attacks by unidentified gunmen in various towns within the Mangu and Bokkos local government areas of the state.
The governor, expressed his dismay during a luncheon hosted by Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, for Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) troops in Mangu, highlighted the gravity of the situation.
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Mutfwang voiced concern over the escalating series of attacks and the intentional destruction of crops and property by these assailants.
Taking a stern stance against the prevailing insecurity, Governor Mutfwang declared, “From intelligence reports available to me, at least 50 persons have been killed in Mangu and Bokkos in the last 48 hours. This is unacceptable. Enough is enough. These stupid, senseless, and unprovoked acts must stop.”
Undeterred by the challenges faced, the governor affirmed the resilience of the Plateau people, stating, “However, no amount of attacks will break the spirit of the Plateau people; we remain resolute and determined to progress as a people.”
Acknowledging the efforts of Operation Safe Haven, Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the troops and pledged unwavering support for the military and other security agencies in their mission to safeguard the state. He emphasized the need for collaborative measures to prevent criminals from exploiting the situation for various criminal activities.
Governor Mutfwang Vows More Security
“That way, we will prevent some hoodlums, who usually hide under the attacks, from perpetrating other crimes, such as cattle rustling, armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, and other crimes. We will also strengthen other security agencies to complement the efforts of the military in tackling insecurity in the state,” the governor asserted.
The Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, provided further insight, revealing the proactive response of his troops to 36 distress calls from different locations within the past 48 hours.
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Despite some casualties among the security forces, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar affirmed their dedication to putting an end to criminal activities in Plateau State.
As Plateau grapples with the aftermath of this brutal massacre, Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to tackling insecurity and supporting the security forces resonates as a crucial step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
