Bokkos Terrorist Ambush: Plateau SSG Narrowly Escapes, Urges Urgent Federal Intervention
In a chilling escalation of violence in Plateau State, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Samuel Jatau, narrowly escaped an ambush by suspected terrorists while visiting Bokkos Local Government Area on Sunday. The attack, believed to be part of a broader plan to terrorize local communities, underscores the region’s worsening security crisis and demands urgent federal attention.
Convoy Under Fire Near Hurti, Terrorists Flee into the Bush
The ambush occurred near Hurti community in Monguna District, where suspected terrorists had laid in wait. As the SSG’s convoy approached, gunmen opened fire, triggering a swift response from the security detail. The attackers, overwhelmed by superior firepower, retreated into nearby bushes and mountainous terrain.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing armed men flee into the hills following the confrontation, which briefly disrupted the SSG’s humanitarian and on-the-ground assessment mission to the violence-stricken area.
SSG: “We Were Almost Ambushed… This Is a National Shame”
Visibly shaken but resolute, Mr. Jatau described the attack as an act of impunity and painted a harrowing picture of the destruction he witnessed during his visit.
“I lack words to express my sorrow and anger. We were almost ambushed. I was looking at my phone when I heard gunshots. When I looked up, I saw two young men running into the bush with guns,” he recounted.
Jatau condemned the continued attacks on vulnerable farming communities, revealing that over 40 people were recently killed, homes razed, and food supplies looted — including 26 bags of potatoes, each worth N80,000.
“These are peasant farmers. How do they recover from this? We must do better than this as a country,” he added, appealing to the Federal Government to prioritize security in the region.
Governor Mutfwang’s Relief Response and Call for Reinforcement
The Plateau State Government, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has initiated emergency relief interventions for affected communities. Jatau announced that relief materials were already being delivered and called for long-term solutions to the recurring bloodshed.
“While we appreciate the efforts of our security agencies, much more must be done. We need more boots on the ground to protect our people,” he emphasized.
Traditional Leaders Thankful but Concerned
Traditional rulers from the affected area, including Maren Arondong, Village Head of Hurti, and Alo Raymond, District Head of Monguna, commended the state government for the prompt relief efforts. However, they warned that without federal intervention, the persistent attacks would continue to displace residents and erode communal livelihoods.
“We need the Federal Government to step in decisively and end these attacks once and for all,” they jointly urged.
NSA Ribadu: “No Impunity, No Escape for Terrorists”
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during an operational visit to Plateau State, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence in Bokkos and beyond. He was briefed by the Commander of Operation Safe Haven and the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Maj. Gen. Folusho Oyinlola.
“We are committed to prosecuting all those behind these attacks. Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, over 2,000 terrorists are currently being tried. Impunity will no longer be tolerated,” Ribadu declared.
He credited the swift intervention of security forces for minimizing casualties and lauded Governor Mutfwang’s dedication to peacebuilding.
A Fragile Hope Amid a Bleeding Region
With tensions high and communities still reeling, residents of Bokkos remain hopeful that increased collaboration between federal and state authorities will yield sustainable peace. However, the recent Bokkos terrorist ambush highlights the urgent need for a reinforced security framework to protect lives and restore confidence in government response.
