The federal government dispatched a high-powered delegation to Plateau State on Saturday in a swift response to the recent violent attacks in Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area, which resulted in loss of life and property.
This is contained in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division Nigerian Army, on Saturday 19 April 2025.
The delegation comprised the Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
The Defence Minister was received at Yakubu Gowan Airport in Jos by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH).
The delegation immediately proceeded to the Kimakpa community, the epicentre of the recent violence in Bassa LGA, for an on-the-ground assessment of the security situation.
During their visit to the grieving community, Alhaji Badaru conveyed the heartfelt condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring the people of the Irigwe chiefdom of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ending the persistent cycle of violence plaguing the area and Plateau State as a whole.
“We are here to sympathise with you, to acknowledge your grief, and to assure you that the federal government is with you and is taking urgent action to bring an end to violence and crime in this land and the state in general,” the defence minister stated.
He passionately appealed to all parties involved in the conflict to embrace forgiveness and discard animosity and hatred, emphasising that such sentiments only fuel further violence and destruction.
Alhaji Badaru also recognised the critical role played by security agencies in tackling the existing security challenges and urged residents to actively cooperate with them by providing vital intelligence that could contribute to a lasting resolution of the insecurity in Plateau State.
He reassured the GOC and other security operatives of the Federal Government’s steadfast determination to halt the killings and destruction.
Echoing the defence minister’s sentiments, Professor Yilwatda underscored the imperative need for unity among the people to safeguard and promote Plateau State as a beacon of peace and a prime destination for tourism.
He expressed the ministry’s profound concern regarding the detrimental impact of the attacks on the well-being and economic progress of the state.
The Humanitarian Affairs Minister assured the community of ongoing collaborative efforts across all tiers of government to address the root causes of insecurity and announced forthcoming interventions involving the distribution of crucial relief materials.
Professor Yilwatda also implored the residents to maintain calm, abide by the law, and allow the government the necessary space to implement comprehensive measures aimed at achieving a permanent solution to the pervasive violence and criminality.
Speaking on behalf of the affected community, the MBraa Ngw and Chairman of the Bassa Traditional Council, Reverend Ronku Akaa (retired), expressed his gratitude to the visiting ministers for their presence.
However, he urged the defence minister to translate his reassuring words into tangible actions that would effectively alleviate the immense suffering endured by the people.
Reverend Akaa also commended the relentless efforts of the GOC and Commander OPSH while appealing for increased government support for security agencies operating in the state.
The visit also included a crucial briefing at Headquarters 3 Division, where the Defence Minister received a comprehensive update from the GOC on the prevailing security situation within the Division’s and OPSH Areas of Responsibility.
The delegation also comprised other government officials, members of both state and national assemblies, local government chairmen, and traditional rulers, as well as youth and women leaders.
Key moments of the visit included a group photograph, direct interaction with community members, and interviews with members of the press.
This high-level visit by the defence and humanitarian ministers underscores the pressing need for a well-coordinated and decisive response to the persistent security challenges in Plateau State, where recurrent violence has not only shattered the peace but also severely impacted the livelihoods of its residents.
With firm commitments made by both federal and local government representatives, the hope remains that these concerted efforts will pave the way for enduring peace and sustainable development in the troubled region.
