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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Senate on Tuesday directed the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to immediately investigate the recent attacks in Jos, Plateau State, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The directive followed the adoption of a motion moved by Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau) during plenary. The motion supported by Senators Simon Lalong and Pam Dachungyang, both representing Plateau State.
Titled “Urgent need to upscale security operations in Kanam and Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State,” the motion drew attention to renewed violence in parts of the state.
The lawmakers specifically condemned the March 2026 attack on the Anguwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly killed several residents.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate also agreed to dispatch a high-powered delegation, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to visit affected communities, commiserate with victims, and assess the situation firsthand.
In addition, the red chamber urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to mobilize its agencies to provide relief materials to those impacted by the attacks. A minute’s silence was also observed in honour of the victims.
Presenting the motion, Plang lamented the deterioration of peace in Plateau State, once widely regarded as a hub of tourism and harmony.
“Plateau was known as the home of peace and tourism but has gradually lost its once more nature and atmosphere due to incessant crisis and attacks by marauding criminals in the last few decades,” he said.
He noted that although government interventions had previously restored some level of calm, recent incidents had reversed those gains.
“Though efforts were made by both the federal and state governments in restoring peace, the relative peace being enjoyed has also been recently shattered,” Plang added.
He referenced earlier violence in Kanam Local Government Area as well as the latest assault in Jos North, stating:
“This is with the dastardly attack that happened in Kanam Local Government Area in Plateau Central Senatorial District in early March.
“And the attack in the Anguwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area in Plateau North Senatorial District on Sunday, March 29.”
According to him, the attack occurred at a time when residents were going about routine activities.
“This was while many were enjoying their Sunday evenings and many others returning from evening services where scores were killed and many injured,” he said.
Plang described the incident as highly coordinated and deliberate.
“This recent attack appears to be a well-coordinated and well-orchestrated attack targeting defenceless citizens in a densely populated area bubbling with social, economic and religious activities,” he stated.
He further highlighted the complex nature of the Plateau crisis, attributing it to deep-rooted ethnic and religious tensions.
“The crisis in Plateau has become very complex because of its ethnic and religious coloration with recent attacks having no particular target or reason but pointing towards an act of terrorism,” he said.
Expressing concern over the long-term implications, the lawmaker warned:
“Worried that the incessant crisis on the Plateau is eroding the state and its peaceful citizens, the ambience of peace and harmony that was once the hallmark of the state.”
The motion was subsequently adopted through a voice vote presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.