The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a more responsive, compassionate, and community-centred security policy following recent attacks in Angwa Rukuba, Plateau State.

Adebayo made this call during a condolence visit to the community, where he commiserated with families affected by the violence.

Describing the incident as a painful reminder of Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, Adebayo said criminal elements had disrupted the peace of the area.

“Our brothers and sisters who are now fleeing are now sacrificial lambs for those who want to take away peace,” he stated.

The former presidential candidate urged residents not to lose hope, emphasising that divine justice remains constant even when government response appears inadequate.

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

He described Plateau as central to Nigeria’s unity and heritage, noting that the state remains a vital symbol of national cohesion.

“Plateau is a gift of God to Nigeria, and that gift will endure forever,” Adebayo added.

Despite the pain and displacement, he expressed confidence that the people of Angwa Rukuba would remain rooted in their ancestral land.

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

Condemning the attacks as the “craftiness of the devil,” Adebayo stressed that such incidents must provoke a more responsible and empathetic government response. According to him, moments of tragedy present the greatest test of leadership.

“When such a lightning happens, it is the best time for the government to show empathy and responsibility—to come to the community, comfort the families, and prioritise the victims,” he added.

He called for strengthened law enforcement backed by improved intelligence, logistics, and community collaboration.

“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 stated.

Adebayo insisted that perpetrators must be brought to justice.

“The criminals who came to commit this offence will not escape. We will fetch them, and we will do justice. Families will be compensated, and the community will be protected,” he assured.

Responding, the District Head of Angwa Rukuba, Haruna Bala, lamented the inadequate security presence in the area, noting that attackers operated freely without resistance. He said the incident raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of existing security structures.

“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,” he said.

Bala appealed to security authorities, including the Inspector General of Police, to upgrade the local police outpost and deploy more personnel and equipment.

“We are calling on the authorities, and since the IG was here, 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 stated.

He emphasized that improved policing would enhance rapid response and prevent future attacks.

Bala described Angwa Rukuba (also known as Mungaro) as a diverse, commercial hub where Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds coexist 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,” he said.

He stressed that the community’s diversity makes 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,” Bala added.

He thanked traditional rulers for their leadership during the crisis and expressed hope for decisive government action.

“We thank you so much. As I said, the traditional rulers have stood very well. We pray that something concrete is done so we don’t face this again,” he said.