Following the tragic ambush that claimed the lives of over 70 local vigilante members in Plateau State, community defenders in Wase Local Government Area have vowed to continue their resistance against banditry and kidnapping without retreat.
The attack occurred in Kukawa community in Kanam and Bunyun village in Wase, as hundreds of local vigilantes mobilized to confront armed bandits wreaking havoc in the region.
Speaking after the incident, vigilante leader Abdullahi Hussaini, who survived the deadly encounter, stated that the group would not be deterred by the loss.
“We will never surrender to the bandits and kidnappers,” Hussaini declared. “The fight will only stop if the bandits flee, repent, or are completely defeated.”
He called on Nigerians to offer prayers and support, stressing that the security threat in Wase was a national concern.
Government Response: Agro-Rangers Commissioned to Protect Farmers
In a swift response to ongoing insecurity, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has commissioned 150 additional agro-rangers to secure farmlands and protect agricultural activities across the state.
At the passing-out parade held at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Command and Staff College in Jos East, Governor Mutfwang described the initiative as a strategic effort to achieve food security and ensure safe access to farmlands.
“Our farms are national assets that must be protected. Farmers must be able to go to and return from their fields without fear,” he emphasized.
According to a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor praised the collaboration between federal and state security agencies, thanking President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs for their support.
He lauded the agro-rangers initiative led by the NSCDC as a timely solution tailored to the unique needs of rural communities and pledged continued support to expand their presence across vulnerable areas.
“Rural insecurity undermines national stability. A hungry population is a vulnerable one,” Mutfwang said. “These agro-rangers have been trained not only to protect crops but also to protect the lives of the farmers who feed the nation.”
He also revealed that the recently trained rangers were instrumental in facilitating the peaceful evacuation of stranded cattle from Bokkos Local Government Area, showcasing professionalism and conflict resolution.
NSCDC Pledges Ongoing Support
Also speaking at the ceremony, NSCDC Commandant General Dr Ahmed Audi affirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s agricultural communities.
“This is the second deployment of agro-rangers in Plateau State. We are proud to be part of the state’s effort toward lasting peace and food sustainability,” he stated.
He noted that the agro-rangers are equipped and trained to secure farmers and rural communities from threats, emphasizing their crucial role in protecting Nigeria’s food systems.
Earlier, Dr Audi paid a courtesy visit to the governor at his residence where they held strategic discussions on strengthening security across Plateau.
