Defence, Humanitarian Ministries Visit Plateau State To Assess Security Situation Following Recent Violence

Defence, Humanitarian Ministries Visit Plateau State To Assess Security Situation Following Recent Violence

In response to the recent outbreak of violence in Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, which resulted in tragic loss of lives and property damage, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, conducted a fact-finding visit to the affected areas on Saturday 19 April 2025.

The Minister of Defence arrived at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, where he was received by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH). General Oyinlola led the delegation to Kimakpa community in the Kwall District of Bassa LGA for an on-the-ground assessment of the security situation.

During their visit to Kimakpa, the Defence Minister conveyed the condolence message to the people of the Irigwe chiefdom on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinibu, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence in the area and across Plateau State. “We are here to sympathize 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,” stated Alhaji Badaru.

He urged all parties involved to embrace forgiveness and abandon animosity and hatred, which only perpetuate further violence and destruction. The Minister also acknowledged the crucial role played by security agencies in addressing the security challenges and encouraged residents to cooperate with them by providing intelligence that could contribute to a lasting resolution of the insecurity in Plateau State. He assured the GOC and other security agencies of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to halting the killings and destruction.

Professor Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, emphasized the need for unity among the people to safeguard and promote Plateau State as a haven of peace and tourism. He expressed the Ministry’s deep concern about the adverse impacts of the attacks on the well-being and economic development of the state. He assured the community of ongoing collaborative efforts at all levels of government to tackle insecurity and informed them about upcoming interventions with relief materials.

He also urged the residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and to allow the government the space to implement measures for a permanent solution to violence and criminality.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the MBraa Ngw and Chairman of the Bassa Traditional Council, Reverend Ronku Akaa (retired) expressed gratitude to the Ministers for their visit and urged the Defence Minister to translate his words into concrete action to alleviate the suffering of the people. He also commended the tireless efforts of the GOC and Commander OPSH, requesting increased government support for security agencies in the state.

The visit also included a briefing at Headquarters 3 Division, where the Defence Minister was updated on the current security situation in the Division’s and OPSH Areas of Responsibility by the GOC. The visit also included other government officials, members of both state and national assemblies, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, youth and women leaders. Highpoint of the event include group photograph, interaction with the community members and interview with the members of the media.

The visit by the ministers underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response to the ongoing challenges in Plateau State, where violence has disrupted not only the peace but also the livelihoods of its residents. With commitments from both federal and local government, the hope remains that these efforts can pave the way for lasting peace and development in the region.

As stakeholders reflect on the ministers’ pledges, the call for unity and proactive engagement from all community members resonates as a crucial step toward healing and rebuilding trust within Plateau State.