Plateau killings: Reps ask NSA to declare national emergency

The house of representatives has asked Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), to declare a national emergency on killings in Plateau state.

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution during the plenary session on Tuesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Dachung Bagos, a lawmaker from Plateau state.

The rising insecurity in the north-central state took a new twist in recent weeks as incidents of violent attacks, killings, kidnapping, and arson have been recorded in some parts of the state.

TheCable reported how nine people were killed when gunmen attacked a community in Mangu LGAon Saturday. Houses and properties were also razed during the attack.

Following the incident, Caleb Mutfwang, governor of the state, imposed a 24-hour curfew in the LGA. 

While moving the motion, Bagos said there has been “an increase in the rate of insecurity and killing of innocent souls”, including some communities within his constituency.

“The attacks have been occurring in some parts of Plateau state for some months now with crops in farmlands completely destroyed,” he said.

“Seven miners of my immediate constituency were gruesomely killed in cold blood on the 9th of July, 2023 around Farin Lamba of Jos South LGA, Plateau state.

“Most of my people live in fear of the unknown due to insecurity and can no longer access their farmlands with ease which is their main source of livelihood.”

The lawmaker, who represents Jos south/ north federal constituency, said if the insecurity situation is not addressed, citizens will experience food shortages as Plateau is one of the main producers of food crops in the country.

Following the adoption of the motion, the lawmakers asked Olukayode Egbetokun, acting inspector-general of police (IGP), to investigate the killings and ensure culprits are made to face justice.

On Monday, Bagos asked his constituents to defend themselves in the face of assault, adding that they have the constitutional right to do so.