A grim incident unfolded in the serene neighborhood of Heipang as gun-wielding assailants wreaked havoc, claiming the lives of 17 innocent individuals, including women and children. The heart-wrenching attack took place during the early hours of Thursday, casting a pall of grief over the community within the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.The shocking development was confirmed by Julius Pam, a bereaved parent who was shaken to his core by the loss of his own brother, sister-in-law, and their children. “Good morning, sir. On this sorrowful morning, tragedy befell our peaceful Heipang community. A total of 17 lives were ruthlessly extinguished, a devastating toll that includes the precious lives of my own family members,” lamented Pam.Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as of press time. Nevertheless, reliable sources within the command have disclosed that security forces have been urgently dispatched to the afflicted community to restore calm and stability.In the wake of this horrific incident, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has taken a decisive step to bolster public safety and promote effective communication. The inauguration of a state-of-the-art Security and Information Centre stands as a pivotal endeavor to facilitate the prompt relay of security-related concerns to relevant authorities.With a firm commitment to enhance transparency and accessibility, Governor Mutfwang, through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, underscored the significance of this initiative. The Centre, a brainchild of the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency, employs cutting-edge technology to establish an easily accessible toll-free hotline—reachable at 080 0000 5555—where citizens can confidentially share vital information without incurring any charges.Governor Mutfwang expressed his unwavering resolve to shoulder the financial burden of all incoming calls, assuring the public that every communication would be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Emphasizing the proactive nature of this undertaking, the Governor articulated how the Centre would serve as a conduit for swift intervention and timely response to emerging security threats, while also providing a platform for citizens to contribute feedback on developmental matters within the state.Operational around the clock, the Security and Information Centre symbolizes a robust commitment to efficient public service. It stands as a beacon of hope and a channel through which the government and its citizens can work together to secure a safer future for all.