Senate orders police probe into Plateau killings

The Senate has directed the Nigeria Police Force to launch a full investigation into the killings in Anguwan Rukuba, where at least 28 people were killed.

The directive, issued during plenary on Tuesday, mandates the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to ensure those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.

Lawmakers also resolved to send a high-powered delegation, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to commiserate with victims and residents of Plateau State.

The resolutions followed a motion moved by Diket Plang and Dachung Mwadkon, who raised concerns over rising insecurity in Kanam and Jos North Local Government Areas.

Leading the debate, Plang said Plateau, once known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” is witnessing renewed violence after years of calm.

He cited recent attacks in Kanam and the March 29 assault in Anguwan Rukuba, describing the incidents as coordinated and targeted at civilians in populated areas.

He said: “Worthy of note is the fact that one of the challenges faced by security agencies is inadequate personnel, as the current data show a ratio of one policeman to 650 citizens, which is in opposition to the recommended United Nations standard.

“This needs to be escalated as a matter of urgency.”

Plang also referenced an ambush in the Garga axis of Kanam, where a joint security patrol team suffered casualties.

Also contributing,Senator Simon Lalong said similar violence occurred during his tenure as governor.

He said: “When I was governor, it happened like that.

“Just within fifty yards, several people were killed.

“This time it was on Palm Sunday.”

Lawmakers warned that the crisis is becoming more complex, with economic, ethnic and religious dimensions.

They said the violence is displacing communities, disrupting farming activities and threatening food security.

The Senate urged security agencies to adopt proactive strategies, including establishing operational bases in affected areas and strengthening intelligence and aerial surveillance to dismantle criminal hideouts.

It also called for increased recruitment into the police and the military to address manpower shortages.

As part of its resolutions, the Senate observed a minute of silence for the victims and urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide food, medical supplies and shelter for displaced persons.