The Federal Authorities has stated the latest lethal assault within the Angwan Rukuba space of Jos North Native Authorities Space, Plateau State, which left at the least 28 folks useless, doesn’t quantity to a breakdown of nationwide safety, stressing that it occurred in a identified conflict-prone group.
The Minister of Info and Nationwide Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged this on Tuesday throughout a press convention on the Radio Home in Abuja, the place he additionally confirmed that safety forces are actively pursuing the attackers.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Authorities of Nigeria, I prolong our heartfelt condolences to the households of the victims and to the Authorities and other people of Plateau State,” Idris stated.
He defined that troops had been swiftly deployed to the scene following misery calls from residents.
“Troops below Operation Enduring Peace had been quickly mobilised to the scene following misery calls,” he stated.
“The navy and different safety companies cordoned off the affected space, secured key entry routes, and launched focused search-and-clearance operations to trace down the perpetrators. These swift actions ensured that the scenario was shortly contained and prevented additional escalation.”
Idris stated the response shaped a part of a broader safety technique already in place throughout Plateau State and the North-Central area.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to hold out clearance operations and intelligence-led missions throughout weak communities following assaults recorded in latest months,” he stated.
“Strengthened surveillance and troop deployments have additionally been carried out in high-risk areas, supported by joint military-police patrols and strengthened speedy response mechanisms.”
He reiterated the Federal Authorities’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property, including that President Bola Tinubu had convened a high-level safety assembly to evaluate the scenario.
“A couple of hours in the past, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held a high-level assembly with the nation’s prime safety and intelligence chiefs to assessment the scenario and take additional decisive steps in the direction of arriving at a long-lasting answer,” Idris stated.
He additional disclosed that Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has been invited for consultations aimed toward restoring peace within the state.
“Following this assembly, the Government Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been invited by President Tinubu to additional deliberate and chart a coordinated path in the direction of lasting peace and safety,” he stated.
“The end result of the assembly between President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang will likely be made public sooner or later. A 48-hour curfew was imposed in Jos North instantly after the incident to stabilise the safety surroundings and assist ongoing operations.”
Whereas describing the assault as tragic, Idris maintained it shouldn’t be interpreted as a collapse of nationwide safety.
“What occurred doesn’t signify a breakdown of nationwide safety, however quite a legal act inside a identified conflict-prone space — one that’s being actively and decisively addressed by the authorities,” he stated.
The minister stated safety companies have been directed to make sure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
“The Federal Authorities has directed all safety companies to make sure that these accountable for this heinous act are recognized, apprehended, and delivered to justice,” Idris stated.
“There will likely be no secure haven for legal parts anyplace in Nigeria.”
He urged residents to stay calm and keep away from spreading misinformation that might heighten tensions.
“Nigeria’s unity stays robust, and we should not permit legal parts to divide our communities,” he stated.
“Nigeria won’t yield to worry. We’ll shield our folks, and we’ll prevail.”
Boluwatife Enome
Times Nigeria