Badaru leads FG’s delegation to grieving Plateau communities, assures of justice
Amid mounting grief and tension in Plateau State, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, on Saturday led a federal delegation to communities recently ravaged by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area, with a stern declaration that the era of unchecked violence must come to an end.
The visit followed deadly attacks that took place on April 2 in Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other parts of the Manguna District, as well as a fresh wave of violence on Sunday targeting Zike and Kimakpa in Kwall District, Iregwe Chiefdom. Dozens were reportedly killed, and homes were reduced to rubble.
Speaking during his tour of the devastated communities, a visibly moved Badaru conveyed the federal government’s condolences and vowed that justice would be served.
“We are here not just to mourn with you, but to assure you that this madness must end,” the minister declared. “President Bola Tinubu is deeply disturbed by these acts of violence and has mandated us to bring the killers to book. We are not leaving any stone unturned.”
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The minister emphasized that security agencies have been instructed to intensify intelligence operations and arrests, adding that the federal and Plateau State governments were collaborating on a community-anchored security framework to prevent further bloodshed.
“We will not allow these acts of terror to continue. We are developing a sustainable approach with the state government, and this will include deeper community engagement,” Badaru said.
Accompanying the Defence Minister on the visit was Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, along with senior military officers and federal officials. Their presence was aimed at assessing the immediate needs of displaced victims and planning coordinated relief efforts.
Traditional ruler of the Irigwe Chiefdom, Retired Rev. Ranka Aku, welcomed the delegation and praised both state and federal governments for their prompt response. However, he lamented the repeated loss of lives and property and called for a more permanent solution to insecurity in the area.
“The pain our people are going through is unimaginable. We appreciate the visit, but we urge government and security agencies to step up. Enough is enough,” he said.
The monarch also appealed for urgent support to help victims rebuild their homes and livelihoods, pledging his full support for peacebuilding efforts in the region.
As the delegation departed, residents held onto renewed hopes that the visit would mark a turning point in ending the cycle of violence that has long plagued their communities.
By PRNigeria
