By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Senate convened an emergency session on Saturday to address the alarming massacre of over 100 individuals in Plateau state during the Christmas Eve attacks.
The brutal assaults, orchestrated by bandits, targeted 23 villages in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas, resulting in the loss of at least 145 lives.
The attacks transpired over a span of two days, causing widespread devastation and leaving hundreds injured.
Expressing deep concern, the Senate attributed the coordinated nature of the assault to a failure in security intelligence, prompting a decisive call to action.
Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau) initiated the motion during Saturday’s plenary, compelling the Senate to summon key figures in the nation’s security apparatus.
The invited officials include the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Director-General of State Security Services, National Security Adviser, Director General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and Inspector General of Police.
Their presence is requested to provide insights into the gruesome killings and inform the Senate’s decision on subsequent measures.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi), chairing the Northern Senators’ Forum, characterized the attacks as unprecedented.
Following a 72-hour investigative visit to Plateau State and discussions with the state’s governor, Ningi underscored the well-coordinated nature of the assaults.
Allegedly, approximately 400 assailants operated with impunity, indicating the failure of security agents to act on prior intelligence.
Ningi further criticized the lack of synergy among security agencies, emphasizing the need for a cohesive response to prevent such tragedies.
Former Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, challenged military assertions about challenging terrain and distance from military formations.
Expressing disappointment over the loss of innocent lives despite existing military operations, including Operation Safe Haven, Lalong urged a comprehensive review of security strategies to prevent further atrocities.
The summoned security chiefs are expected to brief the Senate on the circumstances surrounding the Plateau State killings, providing critical information to guide legislative actions in the face of this grave security breach.
Your reaction