Lawmaker worries over renewed killings in Plateau

Rep. Dachung Bagos (PDP-Plateau) has expressed his concerns over renewed killings in Plateau, where over 19 people were killed by bandits.

Thus is contained in a statement issued by Bagos, representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau in the House of Representatives in Abuja.

The lawmaker condemned the recent killings in Mangu Local and Farin Lamba Jos South, where a total of 19 people were killed.

He urged Nigerians to protect themselves based on the Nigerian constitution, saying every citizen had the right to self-defense and the right to exercise it.

According to him, innocent citizens are being attacked and killed on a daily basis in the Plateau, particularly in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu, where hundreds have lost their lives since May 2023.

He said villagers could no longer go to their farmlands, while several of them were displaced and land taken over.

He said on July 9, 12 people were killed in Mangu and also on July 10, seven of his constituents who were miners were targeted and gunned down, describing it as sad and barbaric

He said most of his constituents now live in fear of bandits, and the attacks have become a daily occurrence.

Supreme News reports that Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu LGA of the state following recent attacks by suspected gunmen. In a statement on Sunday, Gyang Bere, the governor’s director of press, said the decision is to ensure that law and order are restored in the community.

Supreme News also reports that Commander Operation Safe Haven (COPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, have temporarily moved the headquarters of the Special Force to Mangu.

The commander maintained that he would not leave the troubled area until he halted the bloodbath in the council area, an effort that has restored normalcy at Sabon Gari of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following the recent attack in the area that claimed 12 lives.

Gen. Abubakar, who assumed command on July 8 as the COPSH and GOC 3 Division NA, visited the affected area on Sunday to have an on-the-ground assessment of the situation and proffer an immediate solution to the lingering crisis.