…order Police, DSS, Army to fish out perpetrators
The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chief of Army Staff to urgently investigate the brutal killing of 13 unarmed travellers in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims, from the Basawa area of Zaria, Kaduna State, were en route to a wedding ceremony when they reportedly lost their way.
They were attacked and murdered by unknown assailants, who also set their bus, reportedly belonging to Ahmadu Bello University, ablaze.
Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, the House condemned the gruesome attack and urged security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice swiftly.
The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to enhance inter-state security coordination to ensure the safety of commuters and forestall similar incidents. The House mandated the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the bereaved families and survivors currently receiving treatment.
Read Also: Reps minority caucus urges holistic strategy on insecurity, demands justice for Plateau killings
Hon. Abdullahi described the incident as a horrifying example of rising inter-state violence and insecurity that threatens the country’s unity, peace, and freedom of movement.
He lamented that despite several resolutions and assurances from security agencies, such attacks remain frequent and unresolved, raising doubts about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture.
He further warned that the continued failure to arrest and prosecute perpetrators is emboldening criminal elements and eroding public trust in the government’s capacity to protect its citizens.
He said section 14(2) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”
Abdullahi said peace, stability, and justice are critical for the development of any society, as development will not thrive amidst fear, bloodshed, and impunity.