The federal government says the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North LGA in Plateau state occurred in a conflict-prone community and does not represent a breakdown of national security.
At least 28 residents were killed in an attack on the area
on Sunday.
Addressing a news conference on Tuesday at the Radio House
in Abuja, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation,
said security operatives are hot on the heels of the assailants.
The minister expressed the federal government’s condolences
to the victims and the people of Plateau state.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal
Government of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of
the victims and to the Government and people of Plateau State,” he said.
Idris added that security agencies responded immediately
after distress calls were received from the affected community.
“Troops under Operation Enduring Peace were rapidly
mobilised to the scene following distress calls,” he said.
“The military and other security agencies cordoned off the
affected area, secured key access routes, and launched targeted
search-and-clearance operations to track down the perpetrators.
“These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly
contained and prevented further escalation.”
The minister said the response forms part of a broader
federal government security architecture in Plateau and across the
north-central region.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to carry out
clearance operations and intelligence-led missions across vulnerable
communities following attacks recorded in recent months,” Idris said.
“Reinforced surveillance and troop deployments have also
been implemented in high-risk areas, supported by joint military-police patrols
and strengthened rapid response mechanisms.”
He reiterated that the federal government remains committed
to protecting lives and property through sustained security operations
nationwide.
Idris detailed that President Bola Tinubu held a high-level
meeting with security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation.
“A few hours ago, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu, held a high-level meeting with the nation’s top security and
intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps
towards arriving at a lasting solution,” he said.
Idris added that the president has invited Caleb Mutfwang,
governor of Plateau, for further consultations on restoring peace in the state.
“Following this meeting, the Executive Governor of Plateau
State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been invited by President Tinubu to further
deliberate and chart a coordinated path towards lasting peace and security,” he
said.
“The outcome of the meeting between President Tinubu and
Governor Mutfwang will be made public in due course.
“A 48-hour curfew was imposed in Jos North immediately after
the incident to stabilise the security environment and support ongoing
operations.”
The minister stated that the attack does not represent a
collapse of national security, but a criminal act in a conflict-prone area.
“What occurred does not represent a breakdown of national
security, but rather a criminal act within a known conflict-prone area — one
that is being actively and decisively addressed by the authorities,” he added.
Idris said the federal government has directed security
agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
“The Federal Government has directed all security agencies
to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are identified,
apprehended, and brought to justice,” he said.
“There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere
in Nigeria.”
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading
unverified information that could worsen tensions.
“Nigeria’s unity remains strong, and we must not allow
criminal elements to divide our communities,” Idris added.
“Nigeria will not yield to fear. We will protect our people,
and we will prevail.”
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com