Minister of Defence, on Saturday paid a condolence visit to several communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State that recently suffered deadly attacks by gunmen.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the attacks, which occurred on April 2, affected Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other parts of the Manguna District.
In a related incident, gunmen also stormed Zike and Kimakpa communities in the Kwall District of Iregwe Chiefdom on a Sunday, leaving numerous casualties and widespread destruction in their wake.
While addressing the affected residents, Badaru expressed heartfelt sympathy and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
“We are here on behalf of the Federal Government to identify and share in your grief.
“We want to assure you that security agencies will bring these senseless killings to an end.
“I have been adequately briefed, and I want to assure you that we will get to the root of this matter. We will capture the perpetrators of this evil act.
“The president is deeply concerned and have ordered us to find the perpetrators so they can face justice.
“We are working with the state government to adopt the structure that will prevent this ugly incident from happening again; it is time to end this madness,” he stated.
The minister also emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that the government would partner with community stakeholders to disrupt the recurring cycle of violence in the state.
Welcoming the delegation, Retired Rev. Ranka Aku, the Brra Ngwe of Iregwe Chiefdom, expressed appreciation for the high-level visit.
He acknowledged the swift response from both federal and state governments and urged continued efforts to stop the repeated violence and property destruction plaguing the region.
He pledged the support of the traditional institution toward lasting peace in the area and urged authorities to provide aid to help victims rebuild their homes.
Alhaji Badaru was joined on the visit by Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, senior military officials, and other top government representatives.
