In response to the horrific killings of over 100 individuals on Christmas eve in Plateau State, the Senate summoned the heads of security agencies on Saturday.
Bandits attacked 23 villages in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas, resulting in at least 145 deaths.
The attacks, which also left hundreds of people injured and property destroyed, were said to have occurred from Saturday night to the early hours of Monday.
Considering the coordinated nature of the attacks, the Senate asserted a failure in security intelligence and, during Saturday’s plenary, Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau) moved a motion to invite key security figures.
The summoned officials include the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Director-General of State Security Services, National Security Adviser, Director-General of Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and Inspector General of Police.
Their briefing to the Senate aims to shed light on the Plateau State killings, allowing the Parliament to take appropriate action.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi), who leads the Northern Senators’ Forum, described the attack as unprecedented. His findings after spending 72 hours in Plateau revealed a well-coordinated assault involving local collaboration, allegedly by around 400 bandits.
Ningi criticized the security agents for their failure to act on prior information and highlighted a lack of synergy among the security agencies.
Former Plateau State governor Simon Lalong disputed military claims about the difficult terrain and the distance of the attacked communities from military formations.
Expressing disappointment despite ongoing military operations for peace, he emphasized the tragic loss of innocent lives.
Ada Peter
