The Defence Minister personally visited Plateau State’s Bassa community on Sunday, April 20, 2025, demonstrating federal resolve following violent attacks.
Muhammad Badaru Abubakar met bereaved families directly, offering prayers and sympathizing with injured survivors while condemning persistent regional instability.
During emotional interactions, he committed to breaking recurring conflict cycles.
He emphasized the need for coordinated security interventions, declaring, “We must permanently halt this destructive pattern.”
Meanwhile, military leaders, including Operation Safe Haven commander Major General Folusho Oyilola, briefed the Minister on operational challenges.
Their discussions focused on enhancing intelligence coordination and establishing rapid response protocols across the vast terrain.
Badaru specifically underscored President Tinubu’s directive for swift justice, quoting, “The President demands immediate apprehension of attack perpetrators through intensified military-civilian collaboration.”
Furthermore, the Minister outlined collaborative frameworks with state authorities to implement preventive security architectures.
He revealed ongoing plans for early warning systems and community-based surveillance networks during talks with local administrators.
“Our joint strategy with state officials focuses on structural solutions to address underlying tensions,” Badaru explained, acknowledging historical grievances fueling violence.
Additionally, the defence team urged traditional leaders to strengthen grassroots intelligence-sharing mechanisms during town hall meetings.
The Minister appealed for community patience, stating, “Though progress seems gradual, your cooperation in identifying threats remains vital for sustainable peace.”
He simultaneously assured residents of increased military patrols and technology-aided monitoring across vulnerable settlements.
Notably, the visit addressed mounting public anxieties after recent assaults disrupted agricultural activities and displaced hundreds.
Security analysts observed the timing reflects federal concerns about escalating intercommunal tensions ahead of planting seasons.
Badaru’s delegation further pledged to deploy specialized forensic teams to accelerate evidence collection from attack sites.
Finally, the Minister concluded with assurances about presidential prioritization of Plateau’s stability, tying resolution efforts to national food security objectives.
His team distributed emergency relief materials while outlining plans for permanent security outposts near flashpoints.
Local leaders cautiously welcomed these measures, emphasizing the need for sustained federal attention beyond reactive crisis responses.
Residents now await tangible improvements as military convoys intensify patrols along disputed border areas.