*IGP Deploys More Assets To Affected Areas
PLATEAU State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has alleged that the recent killings in parts of the state were sponsored and genocidal.
The March 25 attacks on communities in Bokkos and Bassa Local Councils by suspected herdsmen claimed 52 lives, including children.
Speaking on a television programme, Mutfwang attributed the attacks to unidentified terrorist groups, insisting that attacks on Plateau State was being sponsored and aimed at destroying communities in the region.
“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists. The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel.
“We must come to the point where we know the sponsors, because it is not just the work of ordinary people. This is being sponsored from somewhere, and I am sure that in the coming days, the security agencies will work together, not at cross-purposes, but in unison, to be able to bring out the requisite intelligence that will help us to put this matter behind us.”
Muftwang lamented that bandits had taken over 64 communities, adding: “These communities that have been recently attacked were part of the communities that were attacked in 2023, but they survived it and rebuilt themselves.
“The Ruwi community that was first attacked lost about 17 people in 2023, but they bounced back to show you the resilience of the people.”
Meanwhile, in response to the killings, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate deployment of Police tactical assets to the affected areas.
According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi (ACP), the action underscored the Force’s resolve to restore peace, ensure the safety and security of all residents and bring perpetrators of the heinous crimes to justice.
The statement stated that the IGP has charged the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations (DIG DOPs), Mr. Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, to lead and coordinate the critical intervention with significant reinforcements, including additional units of highly trained tactical personnel, state-of-the-art drones for enhanced surveillance, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), units of Police Mobile Force, helicopters and specialised platoons from the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
The statement said the resources would be strategically deployed to conduct special operations to curb incessant attacks in Bokkos Local Council and surrounding communities.
