Gov Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has called on security agencies to change tactics, following renewed violent attacks on some communities of the state.
Mutfwang said this on Wednesday when he visited Bindi Community of Sopp, in Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, over the recent attack on the community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that gunmen had in the early hours of Tuesday attacked and killed 27 persons in Bindi community.
The attackers also destroyed houses, crops on farmlands, and other properties worth millions.
Visibly saddened by the incident, the governor called on security agencies to redouble their efforts towards the safety of lives and property in the state.
The governor expressed regrets that the attackers succeeded in their mission in spite of the intelligence report at the disposal of the security agencies.
“It is very sad that we got intelligence for this attack, yet the attack still happened.
“I’m calling on the security agencies to redouble their efforts; we need to reappraise our strategy and tactics.
“We cannot continue like this, and by the grace of God, we will soon bring this to an end,” he said.
The governor further directed the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.
“The perpetrators of the act must be arrested; the era of unknown gunmen is over.
“Let’s get hold of them; I must use them to teach those who perpetuate this criminality a lesson.
“Let me remind our security agencies again, you are not here for peacekeeping, you are here to defend the lives and property of Nigerians.
“Anybody that is threatening the lives of Nigerians is an enemy of the state and must be dealt with accordingly,” Mutfwang added.
The governor, however, called on tresidents of the community to be law abiding, adding that the government would conduct coordinated burial rites for the deceased persons.
He also promised that the government would provide succour to those who lost their homes and other properties during the attack.
Earlier, Mr Ezekiel Davou, the Youth Leader of the community, commended the governor for identifying with them over the attack.
Davou noted that the visit would further build the confidence of the people in the administration.
Davou, who explained that the attack occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday, said that eight hamlets were affected.
He appealed to the governor to, as a matter of urgency, extend support to the affected persons to rebuild their houses, adding that the villagers had resolved not to leave their homes.
NAN reports that the governor also visited Gwareng and Bachi communities, all in Riyom LGA, which were recently attacked. (NAN)
