Suspected Bassa Kwomu bandits invade Toto community As Toto LG Chair condoles family of victims, VGN officer who died in ambush, others
….Vows to deal ruthlessly with outlaw group
….Lauds Gov Sule for his commitment to finding a lasting solution
Following recent attack in Katakpa community in Umaisha development area, Toto Local Government area of Nasarawa State, where Bassa Kwomu gunmen reportedly shot dead five worshipers inside mosque.
It would be recalled, February 6, 2024, the Bassa Kwomu bandits invaded the Katakpa community in the Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, killing three Nigerian Army personnel and two vigilantes who were on operation to restore law and order.
The Bassa Kwomu bandits had previously attacked the Katakpa and Okudu communities in February 1, 2024, resulting in three fatalities and extensive property damage.
In another coordinated attack in Katakpa community by several gunmen suspected to be Bassa Kwomu militias in February, 14, 2024, killing the village head and some troops in ambush.
The Nigerian Army deployed personnel to the area to restore order, but the bandits launched a fresh attack, targeting the security forces and local vigilantes
The state government has taken over the matter and made efforts towards handling the situation, including sending more security operatives to the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, Executive chairman of Toto Local Government Area, Honourable Abdullahi Aliyu Tashas, condoled with people of Katakpa community especially family of victims who lost their lives.
The Toto LG chairman issued a strong warning in a statement through Yahaya Idris Toto, Senior Special Assistant, SSA, Media and Publicity, to the Chairman where he strongly condemned the outlaw group, (Bassa Kwomu bandits) activities, stating that they will be dealt with ruthlessly if they continue to wreak havoc and terrorize innocent citizens in the area.
According to the statement, Hon Tashas said his administration has declared zero tolerance for the group’s criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder among other heinous crimes.
He assured that additional security operatives will been deployed to the affected areas to flush out the bandits and restore peace.
He noted that security agencies are gathering intelligence to identify and apprehend the leaders and members of the group.
He sought for the collaboration with Locals even as he said his government is working closely with local communities to gather information and support for the operation.
While expressing his grief, Tashas warned that anyone found supporting or harboring the bandits will face severe consequences.
Speaking on Nasarawa State Government efforts to finding a lasting solution to the Egbira/Bassa Kwomu age-long crisis, Hon Tashas praised Governor Abdullahi Sule for his sincere support towards ending the crisis.
According to the Chairman, The Governor has constituted a high power committee under the Chairmanship of Nasarawa State traditional council of chiefs and the Emir of Lafia to design ways of finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
The Chairman lamented that despite the state government sincere approach, the Bassa Kwomu are still launching attacks, warning that nobody is above the law.
The Toto LG Chairman, Hon Aliyu Abdullahi Tashas, have equally extends his condolences to the people of Toto community over the lost a gallant vigilante officer killed in ambush during official duty along Abaji/Nasarawa road on Thursday, Late Mallam Aminu Adamu
The Chairman’s condolences was conveyed through his Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Hon Abubaker Haruna Kwanakis, who led a high power delegation comprising council officials to the family residence of late vigilante officer, Mallam Aminu Adamu.
The Chairman’s delegation proceeded to the Hospital where Vigilante officer who sustain gun shot injury receiving treatment.
