Diket Plang, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, has alleged that foreign armed groups, working with local collaborators, are responsible for the recent deadly attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement on Monday, Plang described the killings as “heinous” and a grave threat to the peace-loving people of the state.
He warned that the violence, which has ravaged the Mushere chiefdom and surrounding areas, has claimed lives, destroyed farmlands and homes, and displaced thousands.
“It is evidently clear that the perpetrators of this heinous crime with dark objectives are trying to chase the people out of their ancestral homes for possible occupation, which has happened in parts of the local government and other parts of the state,” he said.
Plang, who represents Plateau Central, revealed that the attacks have been ongoing since April, spreading from Bokkos to other parts of his senatorial district.
“Unfortunately, despite my interactions with other groups and individuals with necessary government institutions, the attacks have not abated,” he added.
Senator urges security forces to redouble efforts
While commending security agencies for their efforts so far, the senator urged them to expand operations and take coordinated action to prevent the attackers from gaining a foothold in any community.
He also called for stronger collaboration between community leaders, vigilante groups, and residents, supported by active security presence.
The senator recommended the urgent construction of road networks in affected areas to improve access for security forces and farmers, the introduction of border patrols, and the establishment of permanent military outposts in strategic locations.
Plang pledged to use all legislative and diplomatic channels to ensure the safety of his constituents and to support security efforts aimed at restoring peace to Plateau Central.
“I therefore sympathise with the people of Mushere chiefdom, Bokkos leadership and government of Plateau state in the face of the current circumstances,” he said. “I call on the National Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross and all related organisations to address the mounting humanitarian issues caused by these security challenges.”
