The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, addressed recent concerns regarding a rise in violent attacks within the state. His comments followed an incident on Tuesday night in which gunmen attacked Dafo and Kwata communities in Bokkos Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals.
Speaking to reporters during a shooting range classification exercise led by the Nigerian Army’s 3rd Division in Bassa Local Government Area, Governor Mutfwang, represented by his Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety, Brig. Gen. Gagji Shippi (retd.), emphasized that the recent violence does not indicate a broader trend of insecurity. “I don’t think there is an upsurge in insecurity in Plateau. The killings in Kwatas and Dafo are a one-off occurrence after such a long while,” he stated.
The attack on Tuesday night reportedly left seven people dead, with others injured. In response to these events, authorities have initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the violence. “We’re looking into it to know what the problem is and proffer solutions to nip it in the bud before it goes any further,” Shippi added.
During the same event, a representative from the Nigerian Army noted that the biannual shooting range classification exercise is crucial for assessing the operational readiness of army personnel across the country. It aims to enhance troops’ marksmanship skills while promoting coordination among various security agencies. The exercise also included participation from traditional rulers, civil society members, and government officials, fostering better civil-military relations.
In summary, while the recent violence in Plateau State has raised alarms, state officials are working diligently to investigate and mitigate any potential threats, ensuring the continued safety and security of the region.
