Following an ambush on his convoy in Bokkos Local Government Area, the Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Samuel Jatau, has stated on Sunday, April 6, that he now has a firsthand understanding of the indiscriminate terrorist attacks that communities in the state have been enduring. Jatau, who narrowly escaped the attack, described the level of destruction inflicted by the terrorists as unacceptable.
His visit to Bokkos LGA was intended to assess the impact of previous attacks on various communities within Plateau State. However, near the Hurti community in the Monguna district, his convoy was targeted by gunmen, potentially planning another assault in the area.
Recounting his experience, Jatau explained that he was looking at his phone in his vehicle when he was suddenly startled by the sound of gunshots.
“I lack words to express my sorrow and anger. We just tested what these communities are feeling. We were almost ambushed. I was looking at my phone in the car when I suddenly heard gunshots. When I looked up, I saw two young men running into the bush, armed with guns,” Jatau recounted.
He further detailed the devastation he witnessed, stating, “We saw the destruction firsthand. Over 40 people were killed, homes were destroyed, and entire livelihoods were wiped out. The terrorists looted essential goods like 26 bags of potatoes worth N80,000 each from one home. These are peasant farmers; how do they recover from this? We must do better than this as a country.” Reports indicate that the attackers were ultimately repelled by the superior firepower of the SSG’s security detail, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush.
