Governor Simon Lalong, discussing with one of the security chiefs afoot the emergency state security meeting on Monday. (Facebook : Directorate of Press Affairs, Plateau State)
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – The Plateau State Police Command says armed men killing people in Bassa and Riyom local government areas are “militia brought from outside the State.”
Commissioner of Police, Edward Egbuka, revealed this in a chat with journalists shortly after an emergency State Security Council meeting.
Governor Simon Lalong convened the meeting on Monday evening.
CP Egbuka said the Governor after receiving full briefs from different security organs, ordered all security formations and other collaborating agencies to reinforce and contain the situation.
“The meeting reviewed the fallout of events within the last 48 hours where there were attacks specifically at Jebbu Miango. From our records as at Saturday night the 31st of July 2021, five people were killed while about 85 buildings were burnt. The next morning, the attacks still persisted. From intelligence, the attackers are militia brought from outside the State.
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“The attacks continued in Tamburam, Riyom LGA where unfortunately twelve people were also killed and some houses destroyed and again at Maiyanga. We lost some security personnel at Maiyanga and Riyom”.
“This is the sound of warning to the people involved in perpetrating this violent acts. The leaders will be arrested. There are records of leaders that are on bail temporarily, and some of them have been fingered in this present attacks. Nobody will be spared. Human life is sacrosanct and nobody can take it at will. There is a Government in place and it will not accept lawlessness” the CP added.
He assured the citizens that the directives of the Governor would be enforced immediately.
The Director of Press and Public Affairs to Plateau State Governor, Makut Macham, said the meeting was attended by all service chiefs in the State, the Deputy Governor, SSG, Chairman Plateau Council of Traditional Rulers and Emirs
and Chairmen of Riyom and Bassa LGAs as well as the DG Peace Building Agency.
However, contrary to Police report, natives of Bassa said 43 more dead bodies have been recovered in the villages below.
Lawrence Zongo, the National Publicity Secretary, Irigwe Youth Movement said,
‘Five were picked in Chuweh, six in Ntireku, five in Ghey, five in Kangbro, 11 in Dundu two and 11 in Mai-Yanga. One Soldier was also killed by the marauders. Some people are still missing and cannot be accounted for. Several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at different hospitals. The villages have been completely razed.’
