In response to the repeated attacks on the Plateau region, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has declared an unwavering commitment to rid communities stifled by insurgents and bandits.
Musa made this announcement during Channels Television’s maiden episode of The Morning Brief on Monday, urging public support to achieve this goal.
“We are working with the state government to identify these areas; this year, God willing, we will make sure bandits hold no community,” General Musa asserted.
He expressed the vision that community members would be able to leave Internally Displaced Persons camps and return to their homes.
The recent Christmas Eve attack in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau, resulting in the tragic loss of 200 lives and numerous injuries, has heightened concerns about the efficacy of security efforts in the region.
Musa acknowledged the disillusionment, emphasizing that collaborative efforts were essential to curb acts of terror.
Addressing the motive behind the Plateau carnage, General Musa stated, “I think the purpose is to embarrass everybody and to make the government look stupid, and whoever did this, we are up on their heels and making some arrests.”
He acknowledged the challenge of responding swiftly to incidents in expansive areas but assured ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
On the political nature of challenges faced by the military in combating banditry, General Musa emphasized the need for decisions and directives from the political class.
“The military can only do so much; they go back and can’t get the support from the government. That is why it is important that we work together as a team. It is a political decision, not a military decision on what is to be done,” he explained.
Musa also expressed concern over criticisms directed at the military, stating, “What we try to avoid is to make our troops feel unappreciated.
They are doing so much, and I can guarantee that we are achieving a lot.” He acknowledged the pain of losses and emphasized the importance of collective support in addressing the challenges posed by banditry.
