The Nigerian Senate has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to launch a full-scale investigation into the recent killings in Anguwan Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 28 people lost their lives in a deadly attack that has once again raised concerns over the fragile security situation in the region.
The directive formed part of a series of resolutions reached by the upper chamber following deliberations on a motion of urgent public importance moved on Tuesday by Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central, and Senator Dachung Mwadkon, representing Plateau North. The lawmakers expressed deep concern over the renewed wave of violence in Plateau State, particularly in Kanam and Jos North Local Government Areas, warning that the situation could deteriorate further if urgent and decisive action is not taken.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate also agreed to send a high-powered delegation to Plateau State to commiserate with the victims and affected communities. The delegation will be led by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who is expected to visit the affected areas, meet with community leaders, security agencies, and families of the victims, and assess the level of destruction caused by the attacks.
The Senate called on security agencies to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response efforts in vulnerable communities across Plateau State to prevent further attacks. Lawmakers emphasized that those responsible for the killings must be apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
Leading the debate on the motion, Senator Plang lamented that Plateau State, once widely known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” has in recent years witnessed a troubling resurgence of violence after a period of relative calm. He noted that communities in Kanam and Jos North have suffered repeated attacks, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.
According to him, the latest attack in Anguwan Rukuba was particularly devastating, as entire families were affected and many residents were forced to flee their homes in fear of further violence. He stressed that the people of Plateau State are living in constant fear and uncertainty, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to take immediate steps to restore peace and confidence in the affected areas.
Senator Dachung Mwadkon, in his contribution, described the killings as senseless and unacceptable, stating that the primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property. He warned that the continued attacks on rural communities could worsen humanitarian conditions, as many farmers are unable to access their farmlands due to insecurity, thereby threatening food production and livelihoods.
Several other senators who contributed to the debate expressed sympathy to the victims and the government of Plateau State, calling for a coordinated security strategy involving the military, police, intelligence agencies, and local vigilante groups. They stressed the need for improved intelligence sharing and early warning systems to prevent attacks before they occur.
The Senate further urged the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant government bodies to provide relief materials to displaced persons and families affected by the attacks. Lawmakers noted that beyond security measures, there is also an urgent need for humanitarian support for those who have lost homes, relatives, and means of livelihood.
In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio assured that the Senate would not treat the matter lightly, stating that the delegation’s visit to Plateau State would not only be to sympathize with the victims but also to gather firsthand information that would guide further legislative action and possible federal intervention.
The latest Senate resolution comes amid growing concern across the country over recurring attacks in Plateau State and other parts of the North Central region. Many observers believe that sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies will be necessary to achieve lasting peace in the affected communities.
For the people of Anguwan Rukuba and other affected communities, the Senate’s intervention is seen as a sign that their plight has not been forgotten at the national level. However, many residents say what they need most is not just sympathy visits, but concrete security measures that will allow them to return to their homes, farms, and normal lives without fear.
As the investigation ordered by the Senate begins and the planned delegation prepares to visit Plateau State, many Nigerians will be watching closely, hoping that the latest tragedy will finally lead to lasting solutions to the cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State for years.
