Plateau Killings: Army Deploys More Troops To State After Deadly Attacks

• COAS Says Allowing Individuals To Bear Arms An Invitation To Anarchy

The reactions trailing the Christmas Eve attacks on residents of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State where about 200 people were killed have refused to abate as the Nigerian Army has deployed more troops to Plateau State after three deadly attacks left over one hundred and ninety-five persons killed and scores injured.

This is even as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja revealed why Nigerians can not be allowed to bear arms to defend themselves.

Lagbaja made these known on Channels Television’s end-of-year programme “2023: Year Of Transition”.

“I have reeled out our plans for 2024 for Plateau State.  The troops that we are deploying to Plateau, are on their way to Plateau now,” the army chief said on Sunday.

“This night or first light tomorrow, they should be on the Plateau. We are sending more equipment to enhance the efficiency of the troops.”

It would be recalled that several houses were said to have been set ablaze by the attackers who also looted farm produce and destroyed properties in the process.

Over 50 villages were said to be affected by the attacks which authorities in Nigeria have condemned with President Bola Tinubu calling for a thorough probe.

READ ALSO: Plateau: Senate Invites Security Chiefs Over Attacks

While many have called for self-defence in the wake of the attacks, the COAS has ruled out such a move.

According to him, the Nigerian Army can defend the country and as such, there is no need for self-defence.

“I do not support that. I think that is a call for anarchy,” he maintained.