The Northern Senators Forum has called for urgent action to stop the repeated attacks in Plateau State, saying condolences alone will not end the killings.
The forum made the call on Wednesday in a statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, while expressing sympathy to families of victims of the latest attack.
At least 25 people, mostly women and children, were reportedly killed in an overnight attack in the state on Tuesday, August 18.
The senators also condoled with victims of earlier attacks in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.
They said communities in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and other areas have suffered repeated attacks in the past three years.
According to the forum, the violence has killed hundreds of people, injured many others and forced thousands from their homes.
Homes and farmlands have also been destroyed, worsening the economic hardship faced by affected communities.
The Northern Senators Forum commended the Nigerian Army and Operation Enduring Peace for their response to the latest attacks.
It also welcomed the deployment of additional troops and equipment to affected communities.
The senators noted the relocation of the tactical headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace from Jos to Mangu Local Government Area.
They said the move would help security forces monitor troubled areas more closely and respond faster to attacks.
The forum also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State and the Federal Government’s interventions.
However, it urged the Plateau State Government to do more within its constitutional powers and available resources.
The senators called for dialogue among farmers, herders and traditional leaders to address disputes over land, grazing routes and compensation for damaged property.
They also urged the state government to establish a transparent compensation and resettlement programme for victims and internally displaced persons.
The forum further called for the urgent use of drones, CCTV cameras and early warning systems in identified flashpoints, including Ampang, Kombul, Mangu and Gindiri.
It said security agencies must focus more on preventing attacks instead of responding only after lives and property have been lost.
The senators cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of citizens are among the primary purposes of government.
They urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with useful information that could help identify and arrest those behind the attacks.
The forum stressed that governments at all levels must move from reacting to attacks to preventing them.
“Plateau cannot continue to count bodies after every attack. The priority must now be to prevent the next attack,” the senators said.