The Defence Headquarters has cited challenging terrain and other factors as contributing to the delayed response of troops during the recent attacks in Bokkos and Biriki-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The attacks, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the tragic loss of 150 lives, with over 10,000 people displaced, according to reports by GOVIMA
Governor Caleb Mutfwang acknowledged the room for improvement in the response time during an interview on Channels Television.
He emphasized that distress calls were issued, but responses were hindered by various factors, including the nature of the terrain. The governor, however, cautioned against hastily criticizing the entire response effort.
Amnesty International has also called for an investigation into the apparent inability of security agencies to curb the attacks. Isa Sanusi, the AI Country Director, revealed that armed assailants operated for more than 48 hours, moving across villages.
Sanusi urged President Bola Tinubu to establish an impartial panel to investigate the security agencies’ failure to prevent the bloodshed.
In response, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, acknowledged the receipt of over 30 distress calls during the attacks.
He explained that the challenging terrain and the assailants’ coordinated approach made it difficult for troops to reach the scenes promptly. Major General Buba assured that the military is reviewing its strategy to ensure swifter intervention in future incidents.
The assailants reportedly took advantage of the relative peace in the state, leveraging intentional planning across multiple locations simultaneously.
The military’s strategy is now under reassessment to address the challenges posed by the difficult terrain and enhance the effectiveness of response efforts.
