SENATORS from northern Nigeria, under the aegis of Northern Senators Forum, has called for urgent action to stop the recurring attacks in Plateau State, insisting condolences alone cannot end the bloodshed.
The senators, in a statement on Wednesday, August 19, signed by its Chairman, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, while commiserating with families of the 25 victims of the latest attack on Tuesday, August 18, also expressed sympathy with victims of previous attacks in Mangu and other parts of the state, such as Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and other local councils.
The Forum commended the Nigerian Army and Operation Enduring Peace for their response to the latest attacks, while also welcoming the deployment of additional troops and equipment to troubled communities.
It particularly noted the relocation of the tactical headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace from Jos to Mangu, saying the move would allow the military to monitor the situation more closely and respond faster to emerging threats.
The senators urged the Plateau State Government to do more within its constitutional and financial capacity, even as they called for genuine dialogue among farmers, herders and traditional leaders to address disputes over land, grazing routes and compensation for destroyed property.
The Forum further charged the state government to establish a transparent compensation and resettlement programme for victims and internally displaced persons, as well as the urgent deployment of drones, CCTV cameras and early warning systems in identified flashpoints, including the Kwampang, Kombul, Mangu and Gindiri areas.
The senators said security should be focused on preventing attacks, rather than responding only after lives and property have been lost, citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which places the security and welfare of citizens among the primary purposes of government.
They urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies in identifying and arresting those responsible for the attacks, governments at all levels to move from reaction to prevention, noting: “This cycle of bloodshed must end.”
