Former Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has urged the Federal Government to immediately strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and demonstrate greater empathy toward victims of violence, following recent attacks in Angwa Rukuba, Plateau State.
Adebayo made the call during a condolence visit to the troubled community, where he commiserated with families affected by the killings, describing the incident as a stark reminder of the country’s persistent security challenges.
“The criminals who came to commit this offense will not escape. We will fetch them, and we will do justice. Families will be compensated and the community will be protected,” he assured.
He stressed that moments of tragedy present the greatest test of leadership, urging authorities to act swiftly and responsibly.
“When such a lightning happens, it is the best time for government to show empathy and responsibility to come to the community, comfort the families, and prioritize the victims,” he said.
Adebayo emphasized the need for a more community-centered approach to security, backed by intelligence, logistics, and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
“Government must strengthen our law enforcement, give them the resources they need, and merge them with the community to form a composite security network,” he added.
While condemning the attacks as unacceptable, he cautioned against politicizing the killings, insisting that no justification exists for taking human lives.
“Killing Nigerians by anybody whether near or far cannot go unpunished,” he said.
The former presidential candidate also called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seize the moment as a turning point in improving national security coordination.
“This is an opportunity for the President to be more responsive, more compassionate, more present, so that people can feel that if you kill any Nigerian anywhere, the government will find you,” Adebayo stated.
Describing Plateau as critical to Nigeria’s unity, he said the people of Angwa Rukuba, despite the pain and displacement, would remain resilient and committed to their ancestral land.
Responding, the District Head of Angwa Rukuba, Haruna Bala, decried the absence of security personnel during the attack, noting that the assailants operated without resistance.
“There were no police around for any emergency. They came, did what they wanted to do, and left without anybody stopping them, which is very sad,” he lamented.
Bala called on the Inspector General of Police to urgently upgrade the community’s police outpost, stressing the need for improved manpower and equipment.
“We need adequate manpower, proper equipment, and everything that a standard police station should have,” he said.
He noted that Angwa Rukuba, also known as Mungaro, is a “mini-Nigeria” with diverse ethnic groups living and trading peacefully, making enhanced security even more critical.
“If the police station is upgraded and properly manned, it will help the police respond quickly and prevent future occurrences,” Bala added.
Both leaders agreed that only decisive government action, stronger institutions, and community collaboration can restore lasting peace to Plateau and other conflict-prone regions across the country.
