President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today be in Jos, the Plateau State capital, that is enveloped in tension following Sunday’s attacks and killing of no fewer than 28 people by suspected bandits.
The suspected bandits invaded Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, on Palm Sunday to carry out dastardly killings which had been described as “barbaric”.
The decision by Tinubu follows his meeting on Tuesday with Governor Caleb Mutfwang at Aso Villa.
The President, according to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, was initially billed to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport in Iperu, Ogun State.
The visit has now been rescheduled for tomorrow.
Providing updates on the security situation in Jos, Governor Mutfwang described the attack as ‘’barbaric and an act of ‘’terrorism.’
“We are seeing this as an act of criminality. It’s barbaric. We condemn it. It’s an act of terrorism,” he said.
The governor added that bodies evacuated from the scenes of the attack were moved to the mortuary and that ‘’some families have already buried their dead.’’
Muftwang also said that normalcy had returned to the council but added that attempts by looters to exploit the situation yesterday morning were thwarted by security agencies.
“Security forces working together were able to calm the situation by 12 noon. Presently, the situation is well under control,” the governor added.
He said the state and federal authorities agreed on additional measures to strengthen security and prevent further violence.
Security agents douse tension
Tension swept through parts of Jos yesterday morning following the unconfirmed killing of two women in Jos North.
Many residents had trooped out to their places of work and businesses as early as 7 am, but quickly rushed back to their homes when news of the death of the women spread.
A security source said the news triggered panic at places like Farin-Gada, Bauchi Road, Angwuan Rukuba, Nasarawa Gwong, Kabonh, Bukuru, DB Zang Junction, as well as Kugiya and Terminus markets
He added that Operatives of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) supported by newly deployed Police tactical teams, Mobile Force units and intelligence operatives, ensured there was no breach of peace and order.
IG orders visible policing
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu made a massive deployment in the flash points of Jos.
He had earlier sent the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Nadada, to the state to assess the security situation, coordinate ongoing operations, and strengthen the existing security architecture.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, Disu stated that intensified Police presence would continue until normal condition is fully returned.
Placid said the IG instructed all operational commanders to ensure visible policing and actively engage with vulnerable communities.
He called on members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, to cooperate with security agencies, and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Disu commiserated with the state government, affected families and residents of the community over the incident.
UNIJOS alumni seek students’, others’ protection
The University of Jos Alumni Association expressed concern over the killings, saying it was particularly concerned about the safety of students and staff members of the institution.
“The safety and well-being of every student and staff member remain our highest priority,’’ the association said in a statement.
It called on the Plateau state government and all relevant security agencies to ‘’immediately deploy enhanced, visible and coordinated security presence across all University of Jos campuses and student hostels.’’
The association also asked for security visibility in key residential areas within Jos North LGA, where students reside, and major access routes frequently used by students and staff members.
