Former governor of Plateau State and senator representing Plateau South, Mr Simon Lalong has said he was disappointed at the reasons given by the military authorities for failing to respond to dastardly attacks in the state.
While speaking during a debate on a motion sponsored by Diiket Plang, senator representing Plateau Central, on Saturday, Mr Lalong revealed that the military blamed proximity and terrain for their failure to go after the attackers.
He said, “I heard a report from the military this morning and I was disappointed. [It said] why they didn’t deal with the situation was because of proximity and terrain,” he said.
“There is nothing like terrain in the military.”
Plang had drawn the attention of the red chamber to the attacks.
Recall that terrorists on Christmas eve, launched vicious attacks on more than 15 communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas, resulting to the unfortunate death of 200 defenseless villagers, including women, children, and the elderly.
Houses were razed and properties were looted in the process.
Meanwhile, on his part, Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, said the attack happened because there was no synergy between the security agencies.
“What happened in Bokkos is unprecedented. When you have a catchment of bandits moving at a go. There was a rumour of the attack and the governor tried to make awareness of this attack but he was not taken seriously,” Ningi said.
“We need to urgently call the security agencies to order. There is no synergy.
“The Plateau is in dire need because they are settling over a thousand displaced people. It is a terrible phenomenon. We have forgotten about our humanity.”
Ningi added that any security chief who is not competent should be shown the way out.