Jos killings: Reps member tasks FG on deployment of Soldiers, Security operatives

By Mark Moses

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon Dachung Musa Bagos on Sunday called on the Federal Government to reinforce security in the troubled communities in Jos Plateau State, where suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked recently.

Hon. Bagos, who represents Jos South/Jos East federal constituency of Plateau stated this in a press statement he signed and issued where he disclosed that no fewer than 30,000 people including women and children have so far been displaced.

“I call on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Plateau State government to immediately mandate the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Army Commandant, Special Task Force (STF) of Operation Safe Haven, to reinforce security in the affected communities and other surrounding communities around Jos Metropolis to restore peace and stability and to also mandate the IGP to carry out investigations connected to the mayhem perpetrated in the affected communities thus, ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to book.

“I call on the Government of Plateau State to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to resettle the affected victims back to their rightful communities.

“Finally, I call on all patriotic youth and the good people of Plateau State to remain peaceful and civil in their approach by avoiding any act that may lead to the destruction of property or loss of lives.”

The lawmaker lamented that he is “deeply saddened by the recent report of the gruesome bloodbath, destruction of farmlands, houses and properties in Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa LGA and simultaneous attacks on some villages in Riyom LGA that has thrown the State into mourning yet again.

“I have read with horror and a heavy heart, the Press Statement and subsequent updates released by Irigwe Development Association, of how some villages in Miango came under intense and severe attacks by Fulani herdsmen militias from Saturday, July 31, 2021, an attack which started around 7 pm and lasted for over four hours unhindered and unchecked, setting houses ablaze in several villages of Zanwra, Nche-Tahu, Rikwe-Rishe A and B, Ri-Dogo, Nchu-Nzhwa all under Kpatenvie (Jebbu-Bassa) of Kpachudu Community, leaving survivors and the state in general, with songs of lamentations and tears of agony.

“I find it more worrisome that these attacks spanned into Kwall District and lasted for days, yet the government could not come up with timely and effective security measures as expected of every foresighted government that is intentional about the safety of citizens and the protection of their properties.

“This is disheartening as the terror being unleashed on Irigwe people and other communities on the Plateau has continued unabated and without any sign of remorse or regret.

“It is so saddening that this current barbaric attacks on Irigwe land left in its wake, a whooping number; ranging over 2,500 houses and properties burnt and destroyed, and over 1,000 hectares of farmlands with variety of crops completely destroyed beyond reclamation, about 30,000 persons displaced, while domestic animals were also carted away.

“It is disheartening to think that Jebu Miango is less than 5 kilometres away from Jos city, and not more than 3 kilometres from the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, yet there was no prompt deployment of security agencies and personnel to the affected communities and nearby environs to checkmate the situation and ensure peace and security.

“I fear that if the government continues to sleep while the perpetrators of these dastardly unpardonable and detestable acts are not apprehended and brought to book and justice allowed to run its full course, then a day may come when the government itself may have to start fearing for its safety from the marauders who are bent on grabbing our ancestral lands forcefully and at all cost.

“To say that an attack was carried out for several hours and for days now without proactive, effective and satisfactory intervention from security personnel to curtail the mayhems has no doubt brought fear in the hearts of indigenes.

“As a lawmaker, I join my voice in unison with that of the good people of Plateau State to state categorically that the continuous perpetration of these callous and barbaric acts of inhumanity by a particular sect; to our people without any form of attention by those saddled with the responsibility of securing lives and property is uncalled for, unacceptable and worrisome.”