Senate Holds Military Intelligence Accountable For Plateau Massacre

Senate Holds Military Intelligence Accountable For Plateau Massacre

Disturbed by the brutal attacks on Miango village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State on July 31 and August 1, 2021, carried out by armed bandits resulting in extensive loss of life and property, the Senate has summoned the Security Chiefs to provide an explanation for the military lapses leading to the tragic events…..CONTINUE READING

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Attributing the Christmas Eve massacre in Plateau State, claiming 190 lives, to failures in military intelligence and response, the Senate declared the killings a national tragedy, citing broader lapses in security intelligence and reaction.

As the Senate reconvened to deliberate on the 2024 Appropriation Bill, it expressed deep mourning for the appalling massacre of 190 citizens on Christmas Eve in Magu, Bokkos, and Bakin Ladi, allegedly perpetrated by assailants suspected to be herdsmen in the North and Central parts of Plateau State.

Summoned to appear before the Senate are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Additionally, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, are also called upon to provide explanations.

The Senate’s resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Diket Plang, APC, Plateau Central, during plenary. Senator Plang emphasized the urgent need for a National Security Summit in light of the recurrent criminal attacks in Plateau State. He attributed the situation to the combined impact of climate change and the thriving illegal mining business, urging the military to deploy intelligence to prevent such coordinated attacks.

In response to the crisis, senators called on President Bola Tinubu to address the escalating killings and security challenges in the country. The Senate also urged Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to complete the Mopol Barracks in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, while advocating for the deployment of intelligence and aerial support by the Nigerian Military in affected areas.

Furthermore, the Senate called on the Plateau State Government to strengthen environmental mining laws to curb the excesses of illegal miners. A minute of silence was observed in honor of the victims, and the Senate resolved to send a high-powered delegation, led by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to visit and condole with the affected communities.

The Upper Chamber also emphasized the need for enhanced dialogue between traditional rulers and religious leaders in crisis areas, urging the Plateau State Government to facilitate this process. Additionally, the Senate called on the Minister of Solid Mineral Development to take swift action against illegal miners, particularly in affected regions, and directed the government to issue necessary directives for compliance.

Senator Abdul Ningi, PDP Bauchi Central, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the Plateau massacre and called for a thorough grilling of the Security Chiefs. Senator Titus Zam from Benue Northwest emphasized the urgency for Nigeria, along with President Bola Tinubu, to address internal threats.Senator Adams Oshiomhole, APC, Edo North, stressed the importance of providing a comprehensive explanation for the intelligence lapses, acknowledging the public’s anger and proposing a closed session briefing by the security chiefs to the Senate.

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