By Emman Ovuakporie
Disturbed by the killings carried out by bandits in Plateau State at the weekend, members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday directed security agencies to immediately flush out bandits camping in Wase forests.
TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this development was sequel to a motion under matters of urgent public importance promoted by the deputy Speaker, Rep Idris Wase.
The House in session also set up an adhoc committee to probe deeply into the killings and fish out the bandits.
To this end, the House resolved that the Honorable Minister of Defense to initiate a coordinated Joint Security Operation within Wase Federal Constituency and adjoining towns located in Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Nasarawa States to flush out the bandits and prevent them from escaping to other States.
The House also urged the Chief of Air Staff in collaboration with the Chief of Army Staff to provide aerial surveillance and support to flush out bandits’ hideouts and camps.
“The Department of State Services and Directorate of Military Intelligence to gather intelligence information on the influx, camping and operations of bandits within Wase Federal Constituency and adjoining towns and share same with other sister security agencies.
“The Chief of Army Staff to establish Military presence/bases in Pinau, Bangalala, Yuli, and Zurak, (all in Wase, Plateau State); Kukawa (in Kanam LGA, Plateau State); and Lau and Karim Lamido LGAs (in Taraba State).
Wase in his submission, stated that”as a result of the intense military campaign against these bandits in States like Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto, a lot of them are escaping and relocating to other parts of the north.
Stating that chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) particularly Section 14(2) (b) provides thus:
“It is hereby accordingly declared that: the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.
He explained that several escaping bandits have gradually relocated and infiltrated the forests around Wase Federal Constituency and environs through Bauchi and Taraba States.
“It is also imperative to note that these bandits have set up camps in surrounding forests and have been carrying out attacks, killings and kidnappings in communities within Wase Federal Constituency Plateau State, Kanam LGA, Plateau State, and Lau and Karim Lamido LGAs, Taraba State.
“On 11th December, 2021, several of these bandits attacked Pinau Village in Wase LGA of Plateau State killing several persons and injuring many.
” The effort of security agents in Plateau State for their quick intervention and arrest of over ten (10) suspects linked to the incident.
“Before this attack, there had been several incidents of killings and kidnappings within Wase and Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituencies in recent times. Instances include kidnappings in Bashar, Yuli, Zurak, Safiyo (Wase LGA); Kukawa, Bagwas, Wanka, Shuwaka (in Kanam LGA) and several other communities and connecting township roads;
“If these attacks and kidnappings are left unchecked, they will escalate with time and worsen the already volatile security situation on the Plateau;
“And due to the proximity of Wase Federal Constituency to several Northeastern and Northcentral states such as, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi and Nasarawa; any further escalation in these killings and kidnappings will create a serious Geopolitical Security Situation too difficult to curtail.