Senator Diket Plang
Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial Zone, has called for increased and effective funding for Nigeria’s security agencies following recent deadly attacks and a mining tragedy in Plateau State, which left several residents dead.
Speaking at his residence while addressing journalists, the lawmaker expressed deep sorrow over the killing of residents in Garga community, Kanam Local Government Area, where armed attackers reportedly murdered and injured scores of people.
“I feel very bad. It pains me in no small measure that insecurity is still claiming the lives of innocent, dedicated and hard-working Nigerians, particularly in my constituency,” Plang said.
He disclosed that the National Assembly, during deliberations on the worsening security situation across the country, resolved to prioritise increased funding for defence in the ongoing budget process.
According to him, allocations to the security sector have risen to about 10 per cent of the total national budget, but warned that such provisions would be meaningless without the timely release of funds.
“It is not just about increasing money on paper. Government must release the funds to enable security agencies to carry out their tasks and protect Nigerians,” he said.
Plang also reacted to the mining incident in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area, where several people reportedly died after inhaling suspected poisonous gas while working in a mining pit.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, the senator said the committee had resolved that all mining operators must ensure workers are adequately insured before engaging them.
“For all mining activities, anybody invited to work must be insured, so that whatever happens, there is some form of life insurance for them,” he noted.
He stressed the need for stricter regulation of mining activities, adding that both legal and illegal operations pose serious risks when safety standards are ignored.
Plang further called for sustained public education and awareness for citizens involved in mining, warning against entering mining pits without adequate knowledge of potential hazards.
“We must educate our people. They should not just go into mining pits without knowing what can happen. Lives must be protected,” Plang added.
The senator condoled with families of victims affected by both the Garga attack and the Zurak mining disaster, assuring that the Senate would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to prevent future occurrences.
