After over three hours of deliberations behind closed doors, the Plateau State Security Council rose from its emergency meeting with a directive by Governor Simon Lalong to the security agencies in the state to take full control of all vulnerable in Bassa and Riyom LGAs and clear the attackers that have perpetrated mayhem within the areas.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Commissioner of Police, Edward Egbuka, said the Governor after receiving full briefs from the various security organs in the state and after an exhaustive review of the situation, gave marching orders to the police, Operation Safe Haven, Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, and other collaborating agencies to reinforce and contain the situation without further delay.
According to CP Egbuka, “The meeting basically reviewed the fallout of events within the last 48 hours where there were attacks specifically at Jebbu Miango. as at Saturday night the 31st of July 2021, five people were killed while about 85 buildings were burnt. The next morning, the attacks still persisted. From intelligence, the attackers are militia brought from outside the State.
The attacks continued in Tamburam, Riyom LGA where unfortunately 12 people were also killed and some houses destroyed and again at Maiyanga. Some security personnel was also killed at Maiyanga and Riyom.”
Egbuka said although security agencies have deployed men on the ground coping with the situation, the Governor had directed them to do everything possible to bring the situation under control within the next 48 hours and arrest all the perpetrators.
He assured the citizens that the directives of the government will be swiftly carried out as the security agencies will further strategize and reinforce to contain the situation, arrest the attackers and bring them to account.
The meeting also resolved to enhance engagement and collaboration with informal security groups such as the vigilante, community watch groups, hunters association, and community leaders for enhanced intelligence gathering.
The Governor during the meeting again sympathized with the victims and also reiterated his directive for immediate assessment of the humanitarian needs and assistance to affected people by State Emergency Management Agency once the security agencies contain the situation.