Call for Increased Troop Deployment in Troubled Plateau Communities

The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives, and Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, have appealed to the Federal Government to deploy more troops to troubled local government areas in Plateau State in order to enhance security.

Following the attacks by gunmen on Christmas Eve, which resulted in over 150 deaths and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira, the community leaders have made this appeal, expressing their concerns about the security situation.

They also highlighted that the attacks have led to the displacement of over 10,000 individuals, who are currently seeking refuge in different locations.

Speaking separately with NewsNow in Jos on Monday, the Secretary General of Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives, Nanle Gujor, stressed the necessity of the deployment, stating, “At the moment, we are in a very difficult situation. We are not satisfied at all with the situation of things. The security deployed to the communities so far is grossly inadequate.”

Gujor emphasized the need for a more substantial security presence to prevent further incidents and facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, urged the government to act on its promises to increase security presence in the local government areas, stressing the continuing plight of the residents and the displaced persons.

He stated, “The people, especially the displaced persons are still stuck where they are and can’t go to the communities where they were attacked.” Mallai emphasized the urgency of addressing the security situation for the welfare of the affected communities.

The Plateau State Government has echoed the call for the deployment of more security operatives in the state. The state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms affirmed, “We have been calling for more deployment of troops and other security agents to the state and we will continue to call for it until the issue is addressed.”

These appeals reflect the pressing need to address the security challenges in Plateau State and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.