The Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Mr. Samuel Jatau, narrowly escaped an ambush by suspected terrorists on Sunday during a visit to Bokkos Local Government Area — a region reeling from recent violent attacks.
The assailants, believed to be planning fresh assaults on local communities, laid in wait near Hurti community in the Monguna district. According to eyewitnesses, as the convoy approached the area, the gunmen opened fire, prompting a swift response from the SSG’s security team.
The security operatives returned fire, forcing the attackers to retreat into the nearby bushes and surrounding mountains. A correspondent on the scene observed armed terrorists fleeing after being overwhelmed by superior firepower.
Condemning the attack, Mr. Jatau described the incident as an “act of impunity” and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure vulnerable communities.
“I lack words to express my sorrow and anger. We just tested what these communities are feeling. We were almost ambushed. I was looking at my phone in the car when I suddenly heard gunshots. When I looked up, I saw two young men running into the bush, armed with guns,” the SSG recounted.
Mr. Jatau’s visit came on the heels of a deadly attack the previous Wednesday that left more than 40 people dead and many others displaced. The SSG, visibly shaken, spoke of the widespread devastation he witnessed.
“We saw the destruction firsthand. Over 40 people were killed, homes were destroyed, and entire livelihoods were wiped out. The terrorists looted essential goods like 26 bags of potatoes worth N80,000 each from one home. These are peasant farmers; how do they recover from this? We must do better than this as a country,” he lamented.
He further emphasized that security remains a top priority for the state government.
“The Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has directed that we bring relief materials to the affected communities and look at long-term solutions. We also need more security forces to ensure the safety of our people. While we appreciate the efforts of our security agencies, there is still much more to be done.”
Local leaders, including the Village Head of Hurti, Maren Arondong, and the District Head of Monguna, Alo Raymond, expressed gratitude for the state’s intervention but voiced serious concern over recurring attacks that continue to displace their people. They called on the Federal Government to act urgently and decisively.
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was also in Plateau State on Sunday, visiting the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos. His visit, he said, was on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at restoring order and peace in Bokkos and other affected areas.
“We will ensure that all those arrested in connection with the recent attacks are brought to justice. The Federal Government is committed to improving security in the region, and we will not tolerate impunity,” Ribadu said.
He noted that under President Tinubu’s administration, over 2,000 terrorists had either been prosecuted or were currently facing prosecution, adding that lasting peace required a collective commitment to unity and dialogue.
Ribadu also praised Governor Mutfwang’s peace efforts and assured residents that more proactive security measures would be implemented.
The NSA received detailed briefings on the situation from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, and the Commander of Operation Safe Haven.
As both federal and state authorities rally to quell the violence and rebuild communities, hopes remain high among residents that lasting peace will soon return to Plateau’s troubled areas.
