Yemi Kosoko in Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Monday visited Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, the scene of Sunday’s deadly attack that claimed several lives and left many others injured. The Governor, visibly pained by the scale of the tragedy, commiserated with bereaved families and assured residents that the perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Mutfwang announced that there would be no mass burial, stressing that the state government would work closely with affected families to ensure a dignified burial for all victims. He also pledged that the government would cover the full medical expenses of survivors currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
“We will not allow Plateau to lose its testimony as a place of peace,” the Governor said. “Those responsible for this evil act will not escape justice. One of the individuals who issued threats on social media has already been arrested, and we will pursue the rest.”
He urged residents especially traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies. “Without information, we cannot do much,” he added, appealing to youths to continue exercising restraint and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
The governor also directed that community leaders meet with government officials after the evacuation of the corpses to harmonize strategies for strengthening security and preventing further attacks.
Bar. Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, described the attack as both shocking and deeply troubling. He revealed that community intelligence had, for weeks, indicated the movement of terrorist elements into Plateau and other Middle Belt states.
According to him, the influx is linked to ongoing military operations in the North-West and North-East, which have pushed criminal groups toward softer targets in the region. He alleged that terrorist cells have been established in parts of Riyom, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Jos North, and Bassa Local Government Areas.
Mwantiri further claimed that the attackers included foot soldiers loyal to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, with additional groups reportedly entering Plateau from Nasarawa and Southern Kaduna in recent days.
He disclosed that at least 27 bodies had been recovered as of Monday morning, though the figure may rise as search efforts continue in some health facilities where several of the injured are said to be in critical condition.
The attack has heightened tension across Jos North, with residents calling for stronger security presence and proactive intelligence operations. Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring peace, strengthening security architecture, and fostering unity across Plateau State.
“We will follow this process diligently and lawfully,” he assured. “We owe it to the dead to ensure justice, and we owe it to the living to secure this land.”
