Lalong chides military over excuses given for not responding to Plateau attacks

Simon Lalong, senator representing Plateau south, says he was disappointed at the reasons given by the military for failing to respond to bloody attacks in Plateau state.

Lalong spoke while contributing to a debate on a motion sponsored by Diiket Plang, senator representing Plateau central, on Saturday.

“I heard a report from the military this morning and I was disappointed. [It said] why they didn’t deal with the situation was because of proximity and terrain,” he said.

“There is nothing like terrain in the military.”

Plang had drawn the attention of the red chamber to the attacks.

On the eve of Christmas, some armed men killed many residents during attacks on 17 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs of Plateau state.

The attacks were said to have occurred on December 23 and continued to 24 while residents were preparing for Christmas celebrations.

Houses were razed and properties were looted in the process.

On his part, Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, said the attack happened because there was no synergy between the security agencies.

“What happened in Bokkos is unprecedented. When you have a catchment of bandits moving at a go. There was a rumour of the attack and the governor tried to make awareness of this attack but he was not taken seriously,” Ningi said.

“We need to urgently call the security agencies to order. There is no synergy.

“The Plateau is in dire need because they are settling over a thousand displaced people. It is a terrible phenomenon. We have forgotten about our humanity.”

Ningi added that any security chief who is not competent should be shown the way out.