Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru on Saturday visited several communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State that were recently attacked by gunmen.
The attacks, which occurred on April 2 and continued into the following Sunday, targeted Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in Manguna District, as well as Zike and Kimakpa communities in Kwall District, Iregwe Chiefdom. Dozens were killed, and numerous homes and properties were destroyed.
During his visit, the minister commiserated with families who lost loved ones and assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to securing lives and property.
“We are here on behalf of the Federal Government to identify and share in your grief,” Badaru said.
“Security agencies will bring these senseless killings to an end. I have been adequately briefed and I want to assure you that we will get to the root of this matter and capture the perpetrators.”
He added that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned and has directed that those behind the violence be brought to justice.
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Badaru also stated that the government is collaborating with the Plateau State Government to develop long-term strategies to prevent future attacks.
“This madness must stop. We will engage all stakeholders in the affected communities to ensure lasting peace,” he said.
Earlier, the Brra Ngwe of Iregwe Chiefdom, Retired Rev. Ranka Aku, thanked the minister for his visit and commended both federal and state authorities for their swift response. He, however, lamented the frequency of attacks in the area and urged the government to intensify efforts to stop the violence.
Aku also appealed for government support to help victims rebuild their homes and livelihoods, pledging to work with authorities to restore peace in the region.
The minister was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, senior military officials, and other government representatives.
NAN
