Reps Advocate for Collaborative Military Operation in Plateau, Bauchi, and Gombe.

The House of Representatives has called upon Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, to launch a military operation addressing the surge in banditry around Plateau, Gombe, and Bauchi states following the tragic Christmas Eve massacre.

This call to action came as a result of a motion presented by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, during the recent plenary session. The Christmas Eve tragedy claimed the lives of over 100 individuals in Plateau State.

Wase, in moving the motion, highlighted that the attacks unfolded in 12 villages in Bokkos Local Government, including Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat, and Butura Kampani. Additionally, similar attacks occurred in communities in Barkin-Ladi LGA, such as NTV, Hurum, and Darawat.

Providing further details, Wase stated that the assessment of the incidents in Bokkos LGA revealed a total of twelve attacked villages, 221 houses set ablaze, 27 burnt motorcycles, eight destroyed motor vehicles, and a tragic loss of over 79 lives. He also noted that there were seventeen recorded deaths in Barkin-Ladi LGA.

The former deputy speaker emphasized that the death toll from the various attacks in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State had surpassed 200 as of December 29, 2023, with many others sustaining serious injuries.

Expressing concern, Wase highlighted that security agencies had yet to identify the perpetrators behind these heinous attacks. In response to the motion, the House decreed that the Minister of Defence should initiate a coordinated Joint Security Operation within the affected Local Government Areas and adjoining towns in Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Nasarawa states. The objective is to eradicate criminals and bandits and prevent their escape to other regions.

In tribute to the victims of the attacks, the lawmakers observed a minute of silence. Furthermore, they directed the Inspector General of Police to promptly conduct a thorough investigation into the attacks, aiming to identify the culprits and ensure justice is served.