Foreign armed groups fuelling Plateau killings, says senator

Diket Plang, chair of the senate committee on labour, employment and productivity, has alleged that foreign armed groups, working with local collaborators, are behind the recent killings in Bokkos LGA of Plateau state.

In a statement on Monday, the senator described the incidents as “heinous” and a threat to the peace-loving people of the state.

Plang, who represents Plateau central, said the attacks have led to loss of lives and destruction of farmlands and homes in the Mushere chiefdom and other parts of the council area, forcing thousands to flee.

“It is evidently clear that the perpetrators of this heinous crime with dark objectives are trying to chase the people out of their ancestral homes for possible occupation, which has happened in parts of the local government and other parts of the state,” the statement reads.

“These elements have been on the prowl since April of this year, starting in Bokkos and spreading to other parts of the Plateau central senatorial district.

“Unfortunately, despite my interactions with other groups and individuals with necessary government institutions, the attacks have not abated.”

Plang commended the efforts of security agencies but urged them to expand their operations and take coordinated action to prevent the attackers from establishing a foothold in any community within the senatorial zone.

He also called for stronger collaboration between community leaders, vigilante groups and residents, alongside active security support, to address the threats.

The senator recommended the immediate construction of road networks in affected areas to improve troop access and help farmers in Mushere.

He also advocated for border patrols and the establishment of permanent military outposts in strategic locations to enhance safety and enable displaced residents to return home.

Plang said he would use all legislative and diplomatic channels available to ensure the safety of his constituents and to support security efforts to restore peace to Plateau central.

“I therefore sympathise with the people of Mushere chiefdom, Bokkos leadership and government of Plateau state in the face of the current circumstances,” he said.

“I call on the National Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross and all related organisations to address the mounting humanitarian issues caused by these security challenges.”

On July 16, Pam Dachungyang, senator representing Plateau north, said the attacks in his senatorial district were disrupting farming activities in the area.

“Our people, whose main preoccupation is farming, are being affected, and this will certainly affect their livelihood,” he said in a statement.