In the aftermath of the Christmas Eve attack on communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Senator Jonah David Jang has issued a press statement expressing deep grief and emphasizing the urgent need for state police to address the escalating violence.
Comrade Clinton Garuba, the Media Consultant to Senator David Jang, conveyed the senator’s condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the heinous attack. The senator condemned the orchestrated act by individuals determined to disrupt the peace of the state, depriving ordinary Plateau citizens of the serenity bestowed by nature.
The Christmas Eve massacre, targeting harmless villagers in their homes as they prepared to celebrate the holiday, is described by Senator Jang as the most horrendous wickedness imaginable. The senator highlighted that the killers, seemingly on a cleansing agenda, aim to take over the lands of the people they try to wipe out.
Expressing concern over the continuous killings in various local government areas, including Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom, and Mangu, Senator Jang stressed the need for decisive actions to end the violence. Despite repeated directives from the President to apprehend and prosecute culprits, the lack of arrests and prosecutions in the past indicates the urgency of exploring alternative security measures.
Senator Jang called for the implementation of state police as part of measures to enhance security, ensure early response in crises, and confront the challenges of insecurity headlong. The senator voiced his worries about the limited powers of State Governors to deploy personnel immediately in the face of attacks.
He urged the National Assembly to consider the issue as a matter of urgent importance, emphasizing that the time to heed the call for state policing is now. While commending the efforts of the Federal and Plateau State Governments in responding to recent attacks, Senator Jang called for more proactive measures to halt the seemingly non-stop attacks.
In conclusion, the senator extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the recent attacks, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation with the State Government. Despite the challenges, Senator Jang expressed confidence that Plateau State will endure, thrive, and remain a beacon of peace and tourism.