By Our Correspondent in Abuja
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF), has called for urgent tactical security measures in Plateau State following the killing of at least 25 people, mostly women and children, in an overnight attack on August 18, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, on Wednesday, the NSF said the victims were hacked to death in their homes, according to local officials and residents.
The Forum also extended condolences to all other victims of violence in Mangu and across Plateau State, describing the latest incident as “one too many.”
NSF noted that Plateau has experienced a pattern of sustained attacks over the last three years, particularly in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and other LGAs.
According to the senators, the attacks have claimed hundreds of lives, left thousands injured, displaced tens of thousands, and destroyed thousands of homes and farms.
“The frequency and scale of these attacks underscore the urgent need for decisive action. This cycle of bloodshed must end,” the statement read.
The Forum commended the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, OPEP, for their swift response to the recent attack.
It specifically noted the deployment of additional troops and equipment to troubled communities, and the relocation of the OPEP tactical headquarters from Jos to Mangu LGA.
The move by the Commander, Major General Williams Maxwell Dangana, according to NSF, will enable direct and real-time oversight and faster response to emerging threats.
The senators also acknowledged the visit of President Bola Tinubu to Plateau State and the Federal Government’s interventions so far.
However, while applauding federal efforts, NSF urged the Plateau State Government to do more within its constitutional and budgetary capacity to address the crisis.
The Forum recommended three immediate steps: lead genuine community dialogue between farmers, herders and traditional institutions on land use and compensation; institute a transparent compensation and resettlement framework for victims and IDPs; and invest urgently in technology such as drones, CCTV and early warning systems in flashpoints including Ampang, Kombul, Mangu, and the Gindiri axis.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, NSF stressed that “the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government” and that this duty “must now be matched with action, not only condolences.”
The Forum further urged citizens to remain calm and support security agencies to apprehend perpetrators, and called on government at all levels to shift from reaction to prevention.
“May the souls of the deceased rest in peace. May God grant the injured quick recovery and comfort the bereaved,” the statement concluded.
