Concerned Nigerians condemn the attack
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has said a sizeable number of suspects linked to the Palm Sunday killings in Angwan Rukuba and nearby communities in Jos, Plateau State, were already in custody, vowing that all the culprits at at large would be fished out.
He revealed this during his condolence visit to Jos, yesterday, where he said additional security deployments have been made to bring the situation under control.
At least 27 persons were killed and 19 others were seriously injured in the attack that has continued to generat public outcry. Disu, who visited the affected areas, hospitalised victims and met Governor Caleb Mutfwang at Government House, said one of those arrested impersonated a soldier.
The IGP said: “This is a very sad incident, and we have been doing everything in our powers to ensure that we get to the bottom of the matter. We cannot say we have been able to apprehend the suspects 100 per cent. But as I speak with you, we have some suspects in custody. We are very sure, very soon, we will get to the bottom of it.”
He described the attack as unacceptable, reassuring residents of efforts to restore peace. The IGP urged the youths to avoid taking laws into their hands. During his meeting with Governor Mutfwang, the IGP highlighted steps taken by the police immediately the incident occurred including the relocation of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations to the state.
The Governor acknowledged the police’s prompt response to the incident, calling for increased deployment of personnel, improved intelligence gathering using technology, and additional police formations across the state. He reiterated support for reforms to strengthen policing capacity.
Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who also visited the state, approved the deployment of additional 850 troops to Plateau from Abuja and Kaduna to reinforce security operations.
The Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp, disclosed this in a statement yesterday, adding that the COAS made the order when he led a security assessment team to Plateau state.
The COAS charged troops to remain professional and decisive in dealing with criminals, assuring them of adequate logistics support. He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and comply with the curfew.
Corroborating the arrest of some suspects, the Plateau State Police Command in a statement earlier shared on its official Facebook page, said one of them was found with two locally made firearms and another wearing a military uniform with a forged identity card. The suspects, it said, were under investigation.
Meanwhile, the Management of the University of Jos (UniJos) has confirmed the closure of the school and evacuation of students following tensions around the campus.
The directives were contained in a statement by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
The university said the evacuation was conducted in phases and under strict security cover, adding that it received transportation support from the state government.
It said the government also authorised evacuation vehicles to operate during curfew hours to ensure the safe movement of students.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to the safety and well-being of the university community, stating that all necessary measures were being explored to maintain security on campus.
Students and parents were advised to comply with the evacuation arrangements and utilize the designated communication lines provided by the university for further inquiries.
Reactions have continued to trail Sunday’s attack with the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria calling for decisive action beyond routine condemnations. The council. warned that recurring violence across the country required stronger political will and coordinated security responses.
Also, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria described the attack as a grave violation of the sanctity of life, urging the Federal Government to identify and prosecute those responsible, as well as provide relief for affected families.
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, said the persistent attacks across parts of the country must not be allowed to become normal and urged authorities to take urgent steps to secure communities.
Peoples Democratic Party chieftain Gbenga Hashim described the killings as a national tragedy and called for a clear and coordinated strategy to address insecurity and restore public confidence.
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies also condemned the attack and urged residents to remain calm while supporting efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.
Security analyst, Seyi Babaeko, called for a high-level national security meeting involving key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive response to recurring violence and prevent further attacks.
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