Plateau State remains gripped by an unrelenting cycle of violence, even as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited to commiserate with families of victims from a recent deadly attack. While the President promised robust security measures, including advanced surveillance, fresh assaults across multiple communities underscore the urgent need for concrete action over rhetoric.
President Tinubu's Condolence and Commitments
President Tinubu met with bereaved families at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of 28 lives in the Sunday attack on Anguwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area. The incident saw gunmen invade the community, firing indiscriminately and causing widespread panic.
Addressing the families and key stakeholders, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, President Tinubu pledged decisive steps to prevent future recurrences.
Key Presidential Assurances:
- Non-recurrence: A firm commitment that such a devastating experience would not be repeated.
- Enhanced Surveillance: Installation of over 5,000 security cameras across Plateau State to aid security agencies in identifying and apprehending perpetrators.
- Collaborative Committee: Formation of a committee involving the APC National Chairman and the State Governor to address the issues.
- Comfort and Support: A promise to work closely with and provide comfort to the affected communities.
“There is nothing I can give: money or any other things, but to console you and promise you that this experience will not repeat itself. We will try our best to comfort you and work with you. The best solution is for Jos to be just the world that people like us grew up to know,” President Tinubu stated.
Calls for Concrete Action Echo Amidst Promises
Despite the President's assurances, various bodies have voiced concerns, emphasizing the critical need for tangible action beyond mere condemnations.
Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) Warning:
The SCSN, through its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, issued a stark warning that “promises without corresponding actions will not end the senseless killings of civilians.” The council condemned the recent Plateau killings, describing official reactions as “painfully predictable and insufficient,” and urged leaders to demonstrate the political will and operational capacity required to halt the violence.
Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation's Demands:
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation also strongly condemned the renewed violence, calling the killings “senseless and deeply troubling.”
- Apprehension & Prosecution: Demanded urgent apprehension and prosecution of those responsible.
- Justice & Compensation: Stressed that justice for victims and their families is paramount, along with adequate compensation and sustained support.
Fresh Attacks Claim More Lives as Tensions Persist
The President's visit coincided with reports of renewed violence, claiming at least four more lives across Barkin Ladi, Jos, and Riyom local government areas on Wednesday, just days after the Anguwan Rukuba massacre.
Conflicting Accounts of Latest Incidents:
The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have traded accusations regarding the latest wave of attacks.
- BYM Report: Rwang Tengwong, BYM National Publicity Secretary, reported gunmen attacked the Ban community in Barkin Ladi around 11 pm, killing two and injuring two others, causing panic among students. He also stated a 27-year-old resident, Amos Monday, was killed in Riyom LGA between Baten and Du’a villages.
- MACBAN Report: Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN chairman in the state, confirmed the killing of two herders – Abdulrazak Salisu and Shafiu Idris – in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs, describing them as unprovoked. Salisu was reportedly killed near the Airport General area, while Idris was killed and later beheaded in the Gero area.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from Operation Enduring Peace and the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful at press time.
Fragile Peace Returns to Jos Capital Amidst Security Deployment
Following a breakdown of law and order on Wednesday—where irate youths attacked passersby after a curfew relaxation—normalcy has gradually been restored in the Jos state capital. Security personnel, including soldiers, police, NSCDC officials, and vigilantes, have been deployed to various communities, maintaining order along major roads and strategic positions. Business activities and vehicular movements are slowly returning, under the watchful eyes of patrols aimed at preventing further escalation.