‘Time to end this madness’ — Badaru visits Plateau communities over recurring attacks

Mohammed Badaru, minister of defence, has visited communities in the Bassa LGA of Plateau state following recurring attacks by gunmen.

The visit follows two separate attacks in the region in April. Earlier in the month, armed assailants stormed Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and surrounding communities in the Manguna district. Another attack followed a few weeks after in Zike and Kimakpa, both in the Kwall district of Irigwe chiefdom.

In both incidents, many persons were killed and homes were also burnt down.

Badaru, who was accompanied by senior military officials and Nentawe Yilwatda, the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, said the visit was to “identify and share” in the grief of affected persons.

“We are here on behalf of the Federal Government to identify and share in your grief,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“We want to assure you that security agencies will bring these senseless killings to an end.”

Badaru said the federal government has received briefings on the scale of the attacks and is committed to pursuing justice for the victims.

“I have been adequately briefed, and I want to assure you that we will get to the root of this matter. We will capture the perpetrators of this evil act,” he said.

“The president is deeply concerned and has ordered us to find the perpetrators so they can face justice.”

He added that both the federal and state governments were working together to restructure local security strategies and prevent future attacks.

“We are working with the state government to adopt the structure that will prevent this ugly incident from happening again; it is time to end this madness,” Badaru said.

In his remarks, Ranka Aku, the Brra Ngwe of Irigwe chiefdom, thanked the minister for the visit and acknowledged the swift response by both levels of government.

However, he expressed deep concern over the recurring nature of the violence in his domain.

Aku urged security agencies to intensify their operations and called for government support to help survivors rebuild their homes and livelihoods.

“The attacks have been incessant, and the destruction of properties is massive,” he said.

“We are ready to collaborate with the government towards bringing lasting peace to our people.”

Several communities in Bassa and surrounding areas in Plateau have continued to witness repeated cycles of violence linked to ethno-religious tensions and armed militia activity.