The Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Mr. Samuel Jatau, narrowly escaped death on Sunday when his convoy was ambushed by suspected terrorists in Bokkos Local Government Area.
The attackers, believed to be planning more attacks on local villages, opened fire on the convoy near Hurti community in the Monguna district. The incident happened while Mr. Jatau was on a visit to communities affected by previous attacks, including one that left over 40 people dead just days earlier.
“I was in the car looking at my phone when I heard gunshots. I looked up and saw two young men with guns running into the bush,” Jatau said emotionally.
His security team responded quickly and returned fire, forcing the attackers to retreat into the surrounding bushes and mountains. A journalist who witnessed the incident saw the armed men fleeing.
We Just Tasted What the People Face Daily
Clearly shaken but determined, Mr. Jatau condemned the attack and expressed deep sorrow for the suffering of the local people. He described the situation in Bokkos as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
“We just tested what these communities are feeling. Over 40 people were killed, homes were destroyed, and entire livelihoods were wiped out. Terrorists looted food items—like 26 bags of potatoes worth ₦80,000 each from just one house. These are peasant farmers. How do they survive?” he asked.
Mr. Jatau also called on the Federal Government to urgently address the worsening security crisis in the region. He said the state government is doing its part to bring relief and provide protection for its citizens.
“The Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has directed that relief materials be delivered to the affected communities. But beyond that, we need more security forces on ground. While we appreciate the efforts of the military and police, more needs to be done,” he said.
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Traditional Rulers Cry for Help
Local leaders, including the Village Head of Hurti, Maren Arondong, and the District Head of Monguna, Alo Raymond, also spoke out. They thanked the state government for bringing relief items but expressed fear over the continued attacks on their people.
Mr. Arondong said, “People are scared. Many have run away and are afraid to come back to their homes. We need the Federal Government to come to our aid.”
NSA Vows to Bring Attackers to Justice
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, visited Plateau State on Sunday and promised that the Federal Government would ensure justice for the victims of the recent violence.
Speaking at the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Ribadu said, “We will ensure that all those arrested in connection with the recent attacks are brought to justice. The Federal Government is committed to improving security in the region, and we will not tolerate impunity.”
He explained that he was in the state on the orders of President Bola Tinubu to oversee efforts to restore peace and protect communities under attack.
Ribadu praised the swift action of security agencies and noted that over 2,000 terrorists had already been prosecuted or are facing prosecution under the current administration.
He urged Plateau residents to embrace peace, dialogue, and unity. “We must not allow our differences to destroy us. Let’s work together for peace,” he said.
Military Commanders Brief NSA
During the NSA’s visit, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, and the Commander of Operation Safe Haven briefed him on the current security operations.
Ribadu acknowledged the efforts of Governor Mutfwang to maintain peace and assured the people that more steps were being taken to secure the state.
Hope for Peace
As security efforts continue, the people of Bokkos and nearby communities remain hopeful that peace will return to their land. Many residents, still mourning the loss of loved ones and their homes, are looking to both the state and federal governments for protection and lasting solutions.
“We just want to live in peace and farm our lands without fear,” said one resident, holding back tears.
With strong words from the NSA and ongoing efforts by state officials, many are now waiting to see if the promises of justice and peace will be fulfilled.