IGP orders DIG OPS to oversee operations in Plateau

Following prolong onslaught in Plateau and Benue State, and the killing of over 100 people in the state, the Inspector-General of Police(IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, to take charge and oversee the operations aimed at restoring peace and serenity in state.

The Inspector General of Police (IGPgave the order when he visited Plateau State in the aftermath of renewed killings in the North Central state, during which, he vowed to brought to justice the perpetrators of the heinous killings of scores of innocent citizens.

Over 100 people have been killed in the last two weeks when bloodthirsty marauders unleashed mayhem on communities in the Bokkos and Bassa local government areas of Plateau State.

“The IGP also seized the opportunity to hold a brief meeting with tactical commanders to review strategies employed in the deployment of police operational personnel and operational assets provided to further augment the available security emplacement in the state.

“The Inspector-General of Police has further directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, to take charge and oversee the operations aimed at restoring peace and serenity to Plateau State,” Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi said in a statement.

The IGP, accompanied by senior officers, including the assistant IGPs, visited the State Government House, where he commiserated with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of the state.

The IGP condemned the attacks and reassured the governor that the police would douse the rising tensions and bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice.

“The IGP also seized the opportunity to hold a brief meeting with tactical commanders to review strategies employed in the deployment of police operational personnel and operational assets provided to further augment the available security emplacement in the state.

“The Inspector-General of Police has further directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, to take charge and oversee the operations aimed at restoring peace and serenity to Plateau State,” the statement added.

Also, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, yesterday urged the Federal Government and security agencies to adopt new strategies in tackling insecurity in the country.

Kaigama made the call yesterday during the 2025 Chrism Mass of the archdiocese, held at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Area 3, in Abuja.

Kaigama, who decried the recent killings in some parts of Plateau, called on the government and security agencies to be decisive in ending the menace.

“I think there is a need for inter-agency cooperation; the security agencies must collaborate to end this circle of killings in our country.“These attackers are not ghosts; they are people who can be identified and punished. So, I am hoping that the government will take a new step in that regard.

“Our President has promised us to do something about the insecurity. We are with him; we will support,” he said.

The prelate stressed that while prayer could be vital, sincere and transparent action from leaders remained essential towards nation-building.

He tasked government officials on honesty and accountability, noting that Nigerians needed only basic things such as food, safety, affordable transport, education, and healthcare.

“People are asking for just their rights and basic amenities; It is not a big deal to pay salaries, provide schools and hospitals with facilities.

“In Britain and America, schools are free. We have Nigerians who are schooling there; Catholic schools are free over there.

“This is because the government supports the Catholic Church to provide qualitative education. What is stopping us here?,” he asked.

The Archbishop also praised the resilience of Nigerians, who continue to celebrate Easter in spite of the suffering and poverty, and called on leaders to examine their consciences and serve selflessly.

“Nigerians are very good people, very resilient, and even in very tough and harsh times, they are ready to celebrate.

“And you can be sure they will celebrate the Easter, no matter the degree of suffering and poverty and hunger.

“All we ask is providing security for them. These are people who don’t ask for much,” he said.
He reminded priests of their calling to serve without seeking personal gain, contrasting this with the self-interest often seen in politics.

He called for a Jubilee of Hope, urging all Nigerians regardless of faith to embrace repentance, justice, and unity as the path to national renewal.

Meanwhile, suspected herdsmen on Tuesday evening attacked the Otobi community in the Akpa district of the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack started about 5:30pm yesterday, according to the lawmaker who represents Otukpo-Akpa Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Kennedy Angbo.

The lawmaker, who hails from Akpa district, in a telephone conversation with Channels Television, said an unconfirmed number of persons have been killed and hundreds have fled the community.

A resident of the Otobi community, Edwin Emma, also told our correspondent in Benue, that many persons were feared killed as he called for help from the government and security forces.

“We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community, my wife and children are fleeing from the community as I speak, please call for help,” the frightened resident said.

Otobi, the community hosting the Federal Ministry of Water Resources Multipurpose Water Dam, has come under attack twice in April as a security guard at the facility was killed days ago.

The police are yet to comment on the development as of press time.