…to forestall repeated attacks by terrorists.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Following the recent attacks in Hurti, which comprises of 15 villages in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed additional personnel from the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), with Armored Tanks, and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), to address the security challenges in the area and the State.
This was made known by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge Operations, DIG B.D. Kwazhi, who was in Jos on Wednesday to conduct assessment of the level of destruction and the security situation of the area.
He was in company of the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command and other security heads in the state.
While conveying the IG’s message of condolences to victims of the attacks, he stated that, when the IGP received a report of the incidence, he immediately released an operational helicopter and directed him to carry out intensive aerial patrol of the affected area, to complement the security operations in the State.
He assured of the Force’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of the entire country, stressing that, the IGP has ordered the deployment of an entire Police Mobile Force (PMF) Unit to the State.
According to him, the IGP also deployed additional personnel from the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), Armoured Tanks, and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), to address the security challenges in the State.
He said the visit marks the beginning of the IGP’s concerted efforts to strengthening security engagement with communities and addressing the vulnerabilities faced by the villagers, adding that, “And there is need for collaboration between the security agencies and communities in the restoration of peace in the country at large, which is very important.”
DIG Kwazhi also visited Hurti and the villages affected and some of the IDP camps in Bokkos and interacted with the displaced persons.
While delivering the IGP’s condolences to the victims, he assured the IDPs that the Police High Command is doing everything within its constitutional powers to make sure that peace is restored to Hurti and the entire Bokkos Local Government Area – to ensure that they are relocated back to their homes.
The Inspector-General of Police further reassures all residents of Bokkos Local Government Area and the State at large, that the Police will do everything within its constitutional powers to ensure that the perpetrators of this inhuman act are brought to book and justice for the victims is served. He also encouraged them to remain calm, vigilant, and report any suspicious activities around them to the following:
During his visit, the DIG engaged in series of activities, which were all geared towards enhancing security and promoting peace in the region.
The DIG also held a stakeholders meeting at the Bokkos Local Government Council Secretariat, where some members of the communities said it was lack of mobile network in the area to communicate that led to the deaths of some people, and that, the road needs to be constructed. They also appealed to the IG to look into the employment of their youths, because some of them are graduates and don’t have anything doing.
Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, expressed gratitude to the IG and the entire management of the Force, for the support extended to the Local Government since the unfortunate attacks began.
According to him, there was need for additional personnel and operational infrastructure to be deployed to Bokkos LGA, especially those that could be used to navigate the rocky terrain, and effectively address the security challenges faced by the predominantly farming community.
He further urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, be vigilant, and refrain from resorting to vigilante actions. He extended his condolences to families of the deceased, injured, and displaced victims.