Plateau Killings: God is testing our faith – Rep member, Gagdi says

By Kingsley Chukwuka

The lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke federal constituency, Plateau State (APC), in the House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, has said the attack that befell the people of Kanam Local Government Council, is a test of their faith, haven so much believed in God who has always protected the community from terrorists.

Gagdi said the LGA had never witnessed any attack wondering what the assailants want.

“Kanam is a safe haven. This has never happened before. We are people of faith and God is testing our faith to have allowed this to happen to us to know if we are truly faithful to him”, he said.

The lawmaker stated this Thursday, during a visit to the scene of attack and while also paying a visit to the Kanam LGA Chairman.

Gagdi who is the Chairman, House Committee on Navy, said 50 additional soldiers has been dispatched to the affected communicaties in Kanam, adding that the National Assembly has also approved a permanent military base to be established in strategic areas within the community and a Squadron Mobil police post to be stationed in Kanam.

He said will continue to push for better protection to the people of his constituents and Plateau State at learge.

Earlier, the lawmaker had sent relief materials like clothings, food items, bundle of zincs, motorbikes etc to the affected communicaties.

Responding, the LGA Chairman, Dr. Dayyabu Yusuf Garga laud the lawmaker for his intervention saying that synergy in times like this is all that matters in addressing the unfortunate situation.

Garga while appreciating the prompt intervention of Special Military Task Force (STF), called on them to always take advantage of the early warning signs to avert bloodshed.

According to him: “The gunmen came with over 70 motorbikes with three people each on a bike. After the carnage, on that Sunday, we buried of 106 people in one day”.

He informed the lawmaker that the assailants are still hiding in the surrounding forests calling on the STF to move into their hideout and dislodge them for good.

“As I speak, they have taken over Kampari village a border town to Plateau near Kanam LGA. If you go there, you will see them move around with AK47 rifle freely”, Garga said.

Recall that Over 70 people were confirmed killed in last Sunday afternoon attacks in some communities in the Kanam LGA while many sustained injuries.

The affected communities, where the property was also razed are Kukawa, Gyambawu, Dungur, Kyaram, Yelwa, Dadda, Wanka, Shuwaka, Gwammadaji, and Dadin Kowa.