…says attackers ‘well-trained’, warns against reprisal, vows justice…says venue of President’s visit not as important as substance
Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has said no arrests have yet been made over the recent attack in Jos, but assured that security agencies are working with “actionable intelligence” to apprehend the perpetrators.
Speaking during a live programme on Channels Television, the governor described the incident as “quite challenging,” noting that it marked a disturbing shift from previous attacks largely confined to rural communities.
“We have some actionable intelligence at the moment that the security agencies are following up. I don’t want to say more so that I do not jeopardise ongoing investigations.
“I want to assure Plateau people and Nigerians that by the grace of God, we are determined to fish them out. When we do so, Nigerians would know… but for now, we are on their trail.”
Mutfwang, who commiserated with victims, said both residents and security operatives were caught unawares.
“The community was blindsided. The security personnel were blindsided. Because of the relative peace we have enjoyed… nobody envisaged this kind of thing,” he said.
He explained that the attackers disguised their operation in a manner similar to anti-drug raids, delaying resistance from residents.
“They came hooded and were shooting in the manner operatives of NDLEA usually do. So people took it for granted initially, thinking it was a routine operation. By the time they realised, a lot of damage had been done,” he added.
The governor also referenced a separate incident in Wase Local Government Area, where security personnel were ambushed.
“It was actually an ambush by bandits on a contingent of security personnel on lawful duty, leading to the death of about three officers and other men,” he said.
On the nature of the Jos attack, Mutfwang described it as premeditated and professionally executed.
“The initial assessment indicates that the attackers knew their onions in terms of marksmanship. The shots were not ordinary. This was premeditated, well-orchestrated, and deliberately structured to create fear,” he stated.
While acknowledging suspicions about the identities and motives of the attackers, he cautioned against premature conclusions.
“We have our suspicions, but we would rather keep them until the security agencies have done their work. It would be irresponsible to make conjectures at this stage,” he said.
He warned residents against taking the law into their hands despite rising anger over the killings.
“In the spirit of Easter, I appeal to our people to sheathe their swords and calm their hearts. We cannot allow this to degenerate into anarchy. We must remain a lawful society,” he said.
He added that the attackers’ aim was to destabilise the state and reverse gains made in peacebuilding.
“The aim is to set the state ablaze and make us lose the gains we have made over the last two years in rebuilding trust among communities. We cannot afford to lose those gains,” he said.
Mutfwang noted ongoing efforts by community and religious leaders to sustain peace.
“I was excited when the Plateau Youth Council initiated conversations among Christian and Muslim youths on their own. Christian leaders are reaching out to Muslim leaders. These are the kinds of engagements we need,” he said.
He also revealed that authorities are cracking down on individuals using social media to incite unrest.
“We are clamping down on social media anarchists. We will pick them up one by one and ensure they are brought to book. Freedom of expression must not endanger lives,” he said.
On prosecution, the governor assured that justice would be served.
“Not under my watch will this be swept under the carpet. This incident has personally affected me. When arrests are made, none will slip through our fingers. We will prosecute,” he vowed.
Dismissing criticisms over the logistics of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state, he said: “The venue is not as important as the substance. The President came, met with the people, and demonstrated concern. That is what matters.”