By Blessing Odega

Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Dr Adewole Adebayo, has called on the Federal Government to adopt a more responsive, community-focused security policy following recent attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State.

Adebayo made the call on Monday during a condolence visit to the community, where he met families affected by the attacks.

He said the incident was a painful reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

“Our brothers and sisters who are now fleeing are sacrificial lambs for those who want to take away peace,” he said, noting that criminal elements had disrupted the harmony of the community.

He urged residents not to lose hope, stressing that divine justice remains constant even when government response falls short.

“There is God. God is always responsible, even if the government is not responsible,” he said.

Adebayo described Plateau as central to Nigeria’s unity and heritage.

“Plateau is a gift of God to Nigeria, and that gift will endure forever,” he said, assuring residents that, in spite of the pain and displacement, they would not abandon their ancestral land.

“The people of this community are saddened and battered, but they will not leave this land. Their children, grandchildren, and generations to come will still be here for millions of years,” he added.

Condemning the attacks as the “craftiness of the devil,” Adebayo insisted that such incidents must prompt a more responsible and proactive government response.

He noted that moments of tragedy are a test of leadership, saying: “When such a lightning happens, it is the best time for government to show empathy and responsibility, comfort families, and prioritise victims”.

He emphasised the need for strengthened law enforcement backed by intelligence, logistics, and community cooperation.

“Government must strengthen our law enforcement, give them the resources they need, and merge them with the community to form a composite security network,” Adebayo said.

He assured that perpetrators would be tracked down.

“The criminals who came to commit this offence will not escape. Families will be compensated and the community will be protected,” he said.

Adebayo cautioned against politicising the killings, saying “We cannot say there is politics somewhere that can excuse the killing of anyone.

“Killing Nigerians by anybody, anywhere, cannot go unpunished,” he said, urging leadership to match global standards in vigilance and citizen protection.

He further encouraged Plateau State authorities to work closely with the Federal Government, not only for political alignment but for effective security cooperation, especially in the Middle Belt, which he described as “the glue holding Nigeria together”.

Adebayo also reflected on his personal connection to Plateau.

“My family has been coming here for the past 100 years, prospering here, some dying here,” he said, highlighting the deep historical ties that bind him and other Nigerians to the state.

He reiterated that only committed leadership, strong security institutions, and community partnership can restore lasting peace to Plateau and other troubled regions.

Responding to Adebayo’s visit, the District Head of Angwan Rukuba, Haruna Bala, lamented the inadequate security presence in the area, noting that attackers operated freely without resistance.

“One would think some of these attacks were not work-based. There were no police around for any emergency. What happened was that they came, did what they wanted to do, and left without anybody stopping them, which is very sad,” Bala said.

The District Head appealed to security authorities, including the Inspector General of Police, to strengthen policing in the community.

“We requested the upgrade of our police station or outpost. We need adequate manpower, proper equipment, and everything that a standard police station should have,” he said.

Bala stressed that improved policing would prevent future attacks.

He also described Angwan Rukuba (also called Mungaro) as a uniquely diverse community where Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds live and trade peacefully.

“This area is a mini-Nigeria because everyone lives here. We have Yoruba, Igbo, Angas, Mwaghavul, Atyap, Anaguta, Gerom and even Uvu. People have come here to live, trade, and prosper,” Bala said.

He noted that the community’s diversity and commercial nature make security reinforcement even more urgent.

“Because we have all tribes here, and people are buying and selling to survive, government must ensure proper security to prevent future occurrences,” he said, adding that traditional rulers had remained steadfast during the crisis.

“We thank the traditional rulers for standing firm. We pray that something concrete is done so we don’t face this again,” Bala said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade