Plateau: Nigerian Army reinforces troops in response to deadly attacks

The recent deadly attacks in Plateau State have prompted the Nigerian Army to deploy additional troops to the area.

Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, confirmed this deployment during an interview on Channels Television. He stated that the troops are currently en route to Plateau State and will arrive either tonight or tomorrow morning. In addition to the troops, the army is also sending more equipment to enhance their efficiency.

The attacks on Christmas Eve resulted in a death toll of nearly 200, with over 50 villages affected. President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attacks and called for a thorough investigation. While some have advocated for self-defense, the COAS has rejected this idea, deeming it a call for anarchy.

The attacks have garnered criticism from various quarters, including the United Nations, which has urged the Nigerian authorities to promptly and thoroughly investigate the incidents and hold those responsible accountable.

The government is also urged to address the underlying causes of the violence and ensure its non-recurrence. The northwest and central regions of Nigeria have long been plagued by bandit militias that operate from forest bases and carry out raids on villages for looting and kidnapping.

The social tensions and outbreaks of violence have been further intensified by the competition for natural resources between nomadic herders and farmers. This competition has been fueled by the rapid growth of population and the added pressure from climate changes.