The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has moved to reassure Plateau residents after the Angwan Rukuba killings, condemning the attack and vowing a decisive crackdown on those responsible.
Disu gave the assurance on Thursday during a visit to Plateau State, where he met with Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Government House in Jos, following the deadly Sunday night attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.
Describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable, the police chief stressed that the Nigeria Police Force would leave no stone unturned in tracking down the perpetrators and restoring calm in the affected communities.
“The senseless killing of innocent citizens is completely unacceptable. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are identified, apprehended and brought to justice without delay,” the IGP said.
He disclosed that the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Umar Nadada, had earlier been deployed to Plateau to assess the situation and coordinate ongoing security operations in collaboration with other agencies.
“We have already deployed senior officers to the state to strengthen operational coordination and enhance intelligence-driven policing in response to this incident,” Disu stated.
The IGP also commiserated with the Plateau State Government and families of victims, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. We share in your grief and assure you that the Nigeria Police will intensify efforts to prevent a recurrence,” he added.
Responding, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and security chiefs for their swift intervention, noting that the visit by the IGP underscored the seriousness of the Federal Government in addressing the situation.
“We are encouraged by the prompt response of the Federal Government and the security agencies. This gives our people hope that lasting solutions are being pursued,” the governor said.
Mutfwang, however, acknowledged that insecurity in Plateau State predates his administration, pointing out that successive governments have grappled with similar challenges.
“The security situation in Plateau is longstanding. It is only when one assumes office that the full magnitude of the problem becomes clear,” he remarked.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions, particularly on social media.
“We must all be careful not to inflame the situation through misinformation. Peace building requires collective responsibility,” he cautioned.
He also announced plans to strengthen enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles, often linked to criminal activities, while improving transportation alternatives for residents.
“We are tightening enforcement around the use of motorcycles while working to improve safer transport options for our people,” Mutfwang said.
The governor further revealed that security agencies were already acting on credible intelligence in pursuit of those behind the Angwan Rukuba attack.
Plateau State has, over the years, experienced recurring episodes of communal violence and security challenges, often driven by complex ethno-religious tensions, land disputes, and criminal activities.
The latest attack in Angwan Rukuba adds to a series of incidents that have heightened concerns over safety in parts of Jos North and surrounding areas.
Successive administrations in the state, including those of former governors Joshua Dariye, Jonah Jang, and Simon Lalong, have grappled with similar crises, underscoring the deep-rooted nature of the security challenges.
Security agencies have continued to adopt a mix of military operations, intelligence gathering, and community engagement to curb the violence, though sporadic attacks persist.
With renewed assurances from the police high command and increased coordination among security agencies, residents are hopeful that the latest measures will help restore lasting peace in the state.
