Inspector-General of Police Takes Action, Residents in Bokkos Desert Communities Over Security Concerns
The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, visited Plateau State in response to the recent attacks on 25 communities on Christmas Eve, where over 150 individuals lost their lives. However, the visit failed to ease the fears of residents, leading to a mass exodus from affected areas amid rumors of imminent fresh attacks.
During his visit, the IG expressed shock over the killings and announced the commencement of a special operation to address the rising tide of attacks and killings in Plateau State. Egbetokun emphasized the commitment of the police to ending the cycle of violence and urged communities to collaborate with security agencies rather than becoming collaborators in criminal activities.
In response to the security situation, the IG directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 4, Haladu Musa, to temporarily relocate his office to Plateau State to ensure an effective operation.
Egbetokun revealed that President Bola Tinubu had ordered the perpetrators of the attacks to be identified and face the full wrath of the law. He called for unity among citizens and emphasized that the fight against criminal acts should not be viewed as a war against a particular tribe or religion.
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, commended the IG for the efforts to tackle insecurity but called for improved intelligence sharing among security agencies. He urged a focus on unmasking both perpetrators and sponsors of criminal activities.
Despite these efforts, tension remained high in the Bokkos Local Government Area, with residents fleeing Bokkos town due to rumors of another imminent attack. Reports indicated that transport operators took advantage of the situation, doubling fare prices from N1,500 to N3,000.
The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the mass exodus and expressed concerns about the prevailing insecurity. There were rumors of an impending attack on Bokkos town before New Year's Eve, leading to heightened fears and an urgent need for security cover.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by Plateau State, where security concerns continue to disrupt normalcy and instill fear among residents. The collaborative efforts of security agencies, government, and communities are crucial to addressing the root causes and ensuring lasting peace in the region.
