Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Friday summoned an emergency meeting of the State Security Council following a series of violent attacks that have reportedly claimed no fewer than 30 lives across different communities in the past week.
The high-level meeting, holding at the Executive Council Chamber of the New Government House in Jos, is being presided over by the governor and attended by heads of security agencies operating in the state.
Among those present are the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Eyitayo Oyinlola; the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah; Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo; and the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau.
The emergency session comes on the heels of another deadly attack on Thursday night in Nche Shwye Rishi community, Bassa Local Government Area, where five persons were reportedly killed by gunmen.
A community leader in Bassa, Gata Moses, condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and senseless.”
“We woke up to the heartbreaking news that some of our people were killed in Nche Shwye Rishi community,” Moses said.
“When I confirmed the incident, I learned that five persons, including children, were attacked in their homes. This is senseless and unacceptable.”
Another resident, Nuhu Michael, expressed frustration over the recurring violence and called for stronger security measures.
“I don’t understand why these attackers continue to strike while security agencies appear unable to stop them,” he said.
“Must they wipe out entire communities before decisive action is taken?”
Michael acknowledged that Governor Mutfwang had directed security agencies to intensify operations in affected areas and bring perpetrators to justice but said residents were yet to feel the impact of those directives.
“We hope this security council meeting will produce concrete results. Plateau cannot continue to live under constant fear,” he added.
