Senate Orders Police Probe Into Plateau Killings, Plans Delegation Visit

The Senate has directed the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to carry out a full investigation into the recent killings in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 28 people lost their lives.

The resolution followed a motion raised by Senator Diket Plang and Senator Dachung Mwadkon, who drew attention to the worsening security situation in parts of Plateau State, particularly in Kanam and Jos North.

Lawmakers condemned the attacks, describing them as coordinated assaults on civilians, and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible. They also resolved to send a high level delegation, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to visit the affected communities and sympathise with victims and residents.

During deliberations, Senator Plang expressed concern that Plateau, once regarded as a peaceful state, is witnessing a resurgence of violence after years of relative stability. He referenced recent incidents in Kanam Local Government Area earlier in March, as well as the March 29 attack in Anguwan Rukuba.

The Senate further noted that the crisis has taken on complex dimensions, including economic, ethnic and religious factors, warning that continued violence could worsen displacement, disrupt farming activities and threaten food security.

To address the situation, lawmakers urged security agencies to adopt more proactive measures, including the establishment of permanent operational bases in vulnerable areas, enhanced intelligence gathering, and increased aerial surveillance to track down criminal elements.

They also called for increased recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force and the military to address manpower shortages.

As part of its resolutions, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims and urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide relief materials such as food, medical supplies and shelter to those displaced by the attacks.