Gunmen
By Our Reporter
President Muhammudu Buhari has condemned the killings of 22 commuters in Jos Plateau State and says he has ordered security agencies to bring the perpetrators of ‘this gruesome massacre of innocent travellers’ to justice
The presidency also expressed regrets over the killings.
Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, said it was widely known that Plateau State had been one of the states affected by herder-farmer clashes, which have, in a significant way, been curtailed following the intense peace-building efforts of the administration of Governor Simon Lalong.
He noted however that this was not an agriculturalist-on-pastoralist confrontation – but rather a direct, brazen and wickedly motivated attack on members of a community exercising their rights to travel freely and to follow the faith of their choosing.
With the evident preparedness of their attackers, Shehu said it was clear this was a well-conceived and prearranged assault on a known target, location and religious persuasion of the travelers not an opportunist ambush.
“The Presidency offers condolences to the families of the victims and continues to liaise closely with the local authorities – including security, the police, and governmental agencies,” the statement said.
“The Presidency stands steadfast with both Christians and Muslims at this time in condemnation of this latest attack and expects and insists that justice is swiftly – but fairly – delivered to the perpetrators.
“Make no mistake about it: in line with my commitment to protect all Nigerians, I have ordered our security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of this gruesome massacre of innocent travellers and bring them to justice,” President Buhari said.
The Presidency commended efforts by the Governors of Plateau, Bauchi and Ondo; the Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as well as a number of notable Christian and Muslim leaders as they intensify efforts to calm down the situation.
The killings yesterday followed an outbreak of fresh violence along that axis of the city.
About 17 corpses conveyed in two Hilux vans from the troubled spot to the Plateau Specialist Hospital mortuary.
The police in a statement issued by the spokesman, ASP Gabriel Ugbah, said 22 persons were killed and 14 were injured in the attack.
At the time of filing this report, soldiers drafted from the Special Task Force (STF) had restored order and stepped up patrol, amid palpable fears and tension.
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“This morning, our troops swiftly responded to distress calls that suspected hoodlums blocked a junction along Rukuba Road in Jos North and attacked some commuters.
“Troops immediately mobilised to the scene and restored normalcy.
“Unfortunately, some persons lost their lives in the unfortunate incident, while others with varying degree of injuries have been evacuated to a medical facility for care.
“So far, 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and troops are on the trail of others, who took part in the heinous act. Those arrested are currently in custody for interrogation,” he said.
Takwa said the commander of the task force, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, urged members of the public to volunteer credible information that would lead to the arrest of other suspects currently at large.
He said the commander also appealed to residents of the area to be calm, law abiding and continue with their lawful activities without any fear of intimidation.
