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A vigilante leader in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Abdullahi Hussaini, has pledged that they will persist in their battle against bandits and kidnappers despite suffering significant losses.
Recall that on Monday, more than 70 vigilantes were killed in an ambush at Kukawa community in Kanam and Bunyun village in Wase.
Reports indicate that many vigilantes had gathered to pursue bandits hiding in their locations due to the escalating attacks in various villages within Wase LG in recent years.
In response to the tragedy on Tuesday, Hussaini, who took part in Sunday’s confrontations, acknowledged the fatalities and injuries but affirmed: “We will never yield to the bandits and kidnappers.”
He elaborated that the conflict would only conclude under three conditions: the bandits leave Wase, repent, or are defeated.
He emphasized, “The casualties we have faced will not dissuade us from continuing our fight against banditry in Wase. Death is inevitable; we all must die eventually. Therefore, we’ll keep fighting,” he declared, urging Nigerians to pray for their success.
The vigilante leader also called on citizens nationwide to stand strong against bandits, warning that their actions pose a grave threat to national security and unity.
Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has initiated the deployment of an additional 150 agro-rangers to ensure security for farmers and their produce across the state.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the trainees at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Command and Staff College, Naton-Fursa, Jos East Local Government Area, on Tuesday, the governor described the initiative as a strategic move aimed at securing food supply and achieving food sovereignty in Nigeria.
In a statement from his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast commitment to peace, unity, and inclusive development. “Nigerian farms are national assets that need protection. Furthermore, ensuring that farmers can safely travel to and from their farms is essential for guaranteeing food security for our nation,” he stated.
Mutfwang expressed gratitude to God and recognized the significance of the event in the ongoing initiatives to bolster security and peace across Plateau State.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the nation’s security chiefs in addressing the state's security issues.
In particular, he praised the NSCDC for its innovative agro-rangers initiative, calling it an admirable strategy that complements the efforts of traditional security agencies in protecting rural communities and farmlands.
“While our security forces work to uphold the nation's sovereignty and internal stability, the NSCDC's agro-rangers initiative is a timely and commendable answer to the particular security challenges faced by our agricultural communities,” the governor remarked.
He highlighted that rural insecurity jeopardizes national stability and economic prosperity, cautioning that a starving population is susceptible to manipulation. He stressed the need to ensure that farmers can cultivate and harvest their crops without fear.
“Our farms are crucial national assets that must not only be safeguarded but also cultivated to achieve food security and food sovereignty. These agro-rangers have been trained to ensure that farmers can return home safely and that their hard work is not destroyed,” he added.
Mutfwang further disclosed that security entities, including agro-rangers, recently assisted in the peaceful evacuation of thousands of stranded cattle from Bokkos Local Government Area without incident, showcasing their dedication to maintaining peace through professionalism and dialogue.
While addressing the graduating agro-rangers, the governor urged them to execute their responsibilities with integrity, fairness, and patriotism.
“Your role transcends mere employment; it is a noble sacrifice for your fellow citizens. Uphold justice and fairness, and remain dedicated to the mission of safeguarding our food systems and communities,” he encouraged.
Earlier, Dr Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC, mentioned that this is the second group of agro-rangers deployed in Plateau State and reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to aiding the state government in addressing security challenges, especially in farming communities.
“We take pride in being partners in the quest for sustainable peace and food security.
The agro-rangers are specially trained to offer protective services to farmers, and we are dedicated to expanding their operations nationwide,” he concluded. Dr Audi had previously visited Mutfwang at his residence, where they engaged in productive discussions on strategies to further tackle insecurity in the state.
