The convoy carrying the Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Mr. Samuel Jatau, narrowly avoided an ambush by suspected terrorists on Sunday in the Bokkos Local Government Area of the state.
The terrorists, who were reportedly strategizing new assaults on local communities, set up an ambush close to the Hurti community in the Monguna district.
During his visit to Bokkos, which was heavily affected by gunmen assaults the previous Wednesday, the SSG's convoy came under fire.
As the convoy neared, the terrorists opened fire on the vehicle, which led the security detail to retaliate.
Overpowered by the superior strength of the security forces, the assailants fled into the nearby forest and surrounding mountain areas.
A correspondent who was present at the scene observed armed militants escaping into the mountains following the encounter.
In the aftermath of the ambush, the SSG denounced the event as an act of lawlessness, urging the Federal Government to tackle the security issues facing these communities.
“I am at a loss for words to convey my deep sorrow and anger. We have just experienced a fraction of what these communities endure. We were on the brink of being ambushed. I was glancing at my phone in the car when gunshots erupted. When I looked up, I noticed two young men dashing into the bush, wielding weapons,” the SSG reported.
Discussing the devastation in the area, Jatau continued, “We witnessed the destruction firsthand. More than 40 lives were lost, homes were ravaged, and entire livelihoods erased. The terrorists plundered vital goods, taking 26 bags of potatoes valued at N80,000 each from one residence. These individuals are subsistence farmers; how can they recover from such devastation? As a nation, we must do better.”
The SSG also stressed the urgent need for heightened security in the region, which he identified as a significant concern for the state government.
“The Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has instructed us to deliver relief supplies to the affected areas and consider long-term solutions. We also require an increased presence of security forces to safeguard our residents. While we appreciate the endeavors of our security agencies, there is still an enormous amount of work ahead.”
In his comments, the Village Head of Hurti, Maren Arondong, and the District Head of Monguna, Alo Raymond, expressed their gratitude to the state government for the relief assistance but raised alarms about the ongoing attacks that had displaced numerous residents.
They urged the Federal Government to intervene and avert any future assaults on their villages.
Concurrently, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed that the Federal Government was actively working to address the recent security incidents in Bokkos LGA.
Ribadu made these statements on Sunday during an operational visit to Plateau State at the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos.
Ribadu stated that he had come to Plateau following a directive from President Bola Tinubu to restore stability to the affected communities.
He praised the prompt response of security agencies in managing the situation.
“We will ensure that all individuals arrested in relation to the recent assaults are brought to justice. The Federal Government is dedicated to enhancing security in the region, and will not condone any form of lawlessness,” Ribadu affirmed.
He further noted that under the administration of President Tinubu, over 2,000 terrorists have been prosecuted or are currently undergoing prosecution.
Ribadu also encouraged the residents of Plateau to prioritize peace and cohesion, highlighting that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue rather than violence.
He commended the efforts of Governor Caleb Mutfwang in sustaining peace and assured that security measures in the state would continue to improve.
The NSA received updates on the prevailing security circumstances from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, and the Commander of Operation Safe Haven during his visit.
As the federal and state governments continue to address the security challenges in Plateau, residents are hopeful that further steps will be taken to prevent more attacks and restore lasting peace to the region
