President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday challenged security and intelligence agencies to be ‘’more proactive’’ in preventing killings and abductions by terrorists/bandits across the country.
Condemning Sunday’s attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, the President said early warning attack signals must be acted upon ‘’decisively’’ by the agencies.
Also yesterday, the Nigerian Governors Forum(NGF), the Senate and the Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) expressed outrage over the attacks.
Twenty-eight residents of Gari Ya Waye in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area(LGA ) of Plateau State, were killed, and many were injured by suspected bandits. In Kahir, Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State, 13 residents were killed, and 28 others attending a wedding were also abducted by bandits. Two, however, escaped.
Minister for Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said Nigerian cannot bow to criminal element. According to him, they will be crushed.
In a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the two incidents as “barbaric and cowardly. ” He directed that the remaining 26 persons abducted in Kahir must be rescued immediately.
President Tinubu met yesterday with security and intelligence chiefs over Sunday’s killings in Plateau State.
The President also invited Governor Caleb Mutfwang over to the State House in Abuja for a briefing on the incident.
Idris, who made this known to reporters, said that the meeting reviewed the situation in the troubled state and take further decisive steps.
The 48-hour curfew imposed in Jos North by Muftwang immediately after the killing will now be observed from 7 am to 3 pm from today.
The government, in a statewide broadcast, urged residents of the state ‘’to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding as security agencies continue to monitor the situation to ensure sustained peace and order.’’
In a broadcast, Muftwang vowed that his government and the people of the state would not be intimidated by non-state actors.
He said: ‘It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that I address you today not only as your Governor but as your son and brother who shares in your anguish following the tragic security incident in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which occurred on Sunday, 29th March 2026.
“This unfortunate event led to the loss of 28 innocent lives and left many others injured.
“I feel deeply the weight of the pain inflicted on our people.
“As a government, we share deeply in the grief of the bereaved families and pray that Almighty God grants them, and the state, the strength, comfort, and grace to bear this painful loss.
“Despite this breach of security, I want to assure you that Plateau State will not succumb to fear or intimidation. We shall emerge stronger, united, and resolute in our faith and commitment to peace. ‘’We must deploy every available resource to defend our people, protect lives and property, and safeguard the territorial integrity of our state. Plateau shall remain strong and peaceful.
“Following the incident, the government took swift and decisive measures to restore order and prevent further escalation. ‘’
Senate seeks permanent military bases, security overhaul
The Senate urged the immediate establishment of permanent military and joint security bases in troubled parts of Plateau State.
Besides asking the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to probe the Plateau attack, it called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture.
The Senate also resolved to dispatch a high-powered delegation to affected communities for on-the-spot assessment.
The decisions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central).
Members observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the attack during the session presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.
The Senate also expressed concern over a devastating rainstorm in Osogbo, Osun State.
Governors condemn attacks on Plateau
Also yesterday, the NGF commended Governor Mutfwang for his swift post-incident response to the attack. It expressed ‘’heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the government of the state.’’
The forum, in a statement by its Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, prayed for the ‘’repose of the souls of the victims and quick recoveries for those who were injured in the attacks.”
