In response to the recent surge in violence, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and key service chiefs embarked on a visit to Plateau State. The delegation, including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, arrived at the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang via a Nigerian Air Force plane at 10:10 am. The solemn occasion included a salute by military officials as Matawalle touched down.
This visit follows a tragic incident where gunmen attacked Bokkos Local Government Area, claiming the lives of a father and his son. Transition Implementation Committee chairman Markus Nyam reported that vigilant community members engaged the assailants, resulting in the death of one attacker, while others managed to escape. The Joint Security Task Force Operation Safe Haven swiftly responded to the community's distress call, preventing further harm.
Plateau State has faced multiple attacks within a week, with a previous assault on December 24 leaving over 190 people dead during the Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas. The delegation's arrival underscores the gravity of the situation as efforts to apprehend the culprits intensify.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, aid is expected to arrive soon, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima. State Governor Caleb Mutfwang assured personal supervision to prevent the hijacking of supplies. The call for immediate action by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu echoes the urgency to address the longstanding issues contributing to violence in the region
