Insecurity: PLHA constitutes 5-man special committee

The Plateau House of Assembly on Tuesday constituted a five-man special committee to address the spate of killings in the state. The measure followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance presented at plenary by Mr Amurudu Usaini, member representing Bokkos constituency. According to Usaini, the spate of killings in his constituency and other parts of […]

The Plateau House of Assembly on Tuesday constituted a five-man special committee to address the spate of killings in the state.

The measure followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance presented at plenary by Mr Amurudu Usaini, member representing Bokkos constituency.

According to Usaini, the spate of killings in his constituency and other parts of the state has reached an alarming rate, hence the need for urgent intervention by government and security agencies.

“Mr Speaker, on May 31, one Mr Daniel Masara, a Deputy Director of Health in Shendam Local Government Area, who is a native of Bokkos, was killed.

“Sir, on June 9, between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., gunmen invaded the premises of the Plateau State University, Bokkos, raped a female student, and killed another.

“Similarly sir, on June 13, gunmen invaded the residence of one Mr Ezekiel and killed his family members. These are among many instances of killings in my constituency.

“It is in this light that I present this matter that needs urgent attention before this noble assembly. As lawmakers, we can’t fold our arms and watch our people being killed daily,’’ he said.

Contributing, Mr Timothy Datong, member representing Riyom constituency, frowned at the “sudden” withdrawal of men of Operation Safe Haven, the Military Task Force maintaining peace in Plateau, from some parts of the state.

According to Datong, the withdrawal has further escalated the spate of attacks and killings in rural communities across the state.

He called on the House to direct the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to provide support to those displaced by the spate of attacks.

After much deliberations from members of the assembly, the Speaker, Mr Abok Ayuba, announced the constitution of the five-man committee.

Ayuba charged the committee to liaise with security agencies to provide immediate seuccour to the affected communities.

He also directed the committee to liaise with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to provide succour for those displaced by the recent attacks in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Mr Henry Longs, member representing Pankshin South constituency, is to chair the committee (NAN).