Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau has given the security agencies in the State, the orders to take full control of all flashpoints in Bassa and Riyom LGAs and clear the attackers that perpetrated mayhem within the areas.
Briefing newsmen after more than three hours of emergency deliberations by the Plateau State Security Council, the Commissioner of Police in the State, Edward Egbuka, said that the Governor after receiving full briefs from the various security organs in the State and after an exhaustive review of the situation gave the marching orders to the Police, Operation Safe Haven, Nigerian Army, DSS, Civil Defence, and other collaborating agencies to reinforce and contain the situation without further delay.
According to CP Egbuka, “The meeting basically reviewed the fallout of events within the last 48 hours after the attacks specifically at Jebbu Miango.
The CP said that as of Saturday the 31st of July 2021, five people were killed, while about 85 buildings were burnt.
From intelligence, he said that the attackers were militia from outside the State.
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The attacks he said continued in Tamburam, Riyom LGA where unfortunately twelve people were also killed and some houses destroyed.
He added that some security personnel was also killed at Maiyanga and Riyom”.
Egbuka said that, although the security agencies have deployed more men on the ground to cope with the situation, the Governor has directed them to do everything possible to bring the situation under control within the next 48 hours and arrest all the perpetrators.
He assured the citizens that, the directives of the Government will be swiftly carried out, as the security agencies will further strategize and reinforced them to contain the situation and bring the perpetrators to book.
The meeting also resolved to enhance engagement and collaboration with the informal security groups like the vigilante, community watch groups, hunters association and community leaders, for enhanced intelligence gathering.
The Governor again sympathized with the victims and reiterated his directive for immediate assessment of the humanitarian needs and assistance to the affected people by the State Emergency Management Agency, once the security agencies’ situation improved.
Edited: Tunde Orebiyi
