The Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Disu, has intensified security operations in Plateau State following the deadly assault on Kawel community in Bokkos Local Government Area, an attack that left at least 20 people dead and heightened fears of renewed violence in the region.
As part of efforts to contain the situation and prevent further bloodshed, the police chief directed the deployment of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, AIG Dankombo Morris, to undertake an immediate assessment of the security challenges confronting the area.
The intervention also includes the deployment of additional operational assets, Police Mobile Force personnel and specialised tactical units to reinforce existing security arrangements in affected communities.
In a move aimed at strengthening collaboration with local stakeholders, AIG Morris visited Bokkos on Tuesday alongside senior officers from the Plateau State Police Command, where they engaged local government authorities, traditional institutions and community leaders on strategies for restoring peace.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, said the deployment formed part of urgent measures approved by the Inspector-General in response to the tragic incident.
The statement partly read, “Following the unfortunate incident in Kawel Community in Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olutunji Rilwan Disu, has deployed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi, AIG Dankombo F. Morris, to Plateau State for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and to put in place necessary measures aimed at restoring peace and preventing any further occurrence.
“The AIG, accompanied by members of the Plateau State Police Command’s management team, today visited Bokkos Local Government Area, where he held engagements with the leadership of the local government, the traditional ruler of the area, and other critical stakeholders.”
During the security meeting, the Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, applauded the swift intervention by the police leadership and described the attack as a senseless act of violence against innocent residents.
He informed the delegation that the victims had already been laid to rest but stressed the need for increased security deployment to safeguard communities that remain vulnerable to further attacks.
Amalau urged security agencies to sustain their presence in the area and strengthen ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.
Also speaking at the engagement, the President of the Women in Politics Initiative, Plateau State Chapter, Mrs Hajara Yunana, lamented the devastating impact of the attack on women, children and families in the affected communities.
While commending the police for their rapid response, she called for stronger action beyond assurances and advocated the adoption of modern policing technologies to improve surveillance and response capabilities in high-risk areas.
She further appealed to residents to remain peaceful and continue supporting security agencies with useful information that could assist ongoing efforts to maintain law and order.
(Ripples)
