The Plateau Patriotic Front (PPF) has called on the military high command to investigate alleged silence of troops to the deadly attack on Jebbu Binde killings community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau .
By Deborah Coker
The Plateau Patriotic Front (PPF) has called on the military high command to investigate alleged silence of troops to the deadly attack on Jebbu Binde killings community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau .
The PPF, a socio-political group said this was in spite of the troops close proximity to the crime scene.
Mr Mani Imman, National Coordinator of the group said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Saturday.
Imman also lauded Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, for boldly questioning the military’s failure to respond to the attack and asked other stakeholders to unite against the terrorists.
According to him, we support the governor’s demand for accountability from security forces, whose checkpoint is situated a mere 200 metres from the attacked community.
“The most commonly tauted excuse of difficult terrain is not tenable in the area, and will be both unconvincing and unacceptable.
“The location is not inaccessible, and cannot be considered rugged to the extent of disabling timely intervention during the crisis.
“We therefore commend His Excellency, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, for his courage in demanding answers from the Nigerian military regarding the Bindi massacre.
The PPF national coordinator noted that it was imperative that those charged with the security of lives and property live up to their constitutional responsibilities.
“The excuses we are hearing are not tenable in this situation. Bindi is not a difficult terrain, and there was a checkpoint barely 200 metres away. How can such a heinous attack occur with no response from the military stationed so close by?”
He added that the attack, which left several villagers dead, others injured, and homes including a place of worship destroyed, had provoked widespread outrage across the state.
“While communities continue to bury their dead and count their losses, the silence and perceived inaction of the security forces stationed nearby have raised serious questions about the role and effectiveness of those mandated to protect them,” he said.
Imman therefore called on the military high command to swiftly investigate the incident and publicly respond to the governor’s concerns, as well as those of the wider public, stressing that transparency and accountability were key to restoring public confidence in the security apparatus.
“There is deep anger and distrust in the hearts of the people. The military cannot afford to remain silent or indifferent in the face of such suspicion. They must come out clearly and explain their actions or inactions during the period of the attack.
“Was there a failure in communication? Were the soldiers under any specific orders? The people deserve to know the truth,” the stressed.
He noted that communities across state have endured years of violent attacks and have continued to live in fear due to what many perceive as inadequate responses from security operatives.
According to him, the latest incident only strengthens calls for a reassessment of Nigeria’s internal security management, particularly in vulnerable areas.
“We urge the federal government and military authorities to treat this situation with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. A thorough probe is needed, and those found wanting must be held accountable.
“This will not only serve as a deterrent to future negligence but will also show that human lives are valued.”
The PPF national coordinator emphasised that peace and stability in Plateau and Nigeria at large, could only be achieved when citizens are assured that their lives and properties would be protected by security institutions that act with diligence, fairness, and professionalism.
He called on other civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and faith leaders to lend their voices in demanding justice and accountability in the Bindi incident and similar cases in the past.
He reaffirmed the PPF commitment to standing with the people of Plateau particularly those in rural communities, who have borne the brunt of violent attacks for years, and called for a sustained collective effort to end the cycle of bloodshed. (NAN
