Plateau: Mutfwang urges calm amidst attack, rising tension in Jos 

Police confirm 26 dead, 3 injured from attack on Jos community

CAN condemns ‘horrific’ Palm Sunday killings in Plateau capital

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has called for calm among residents of Angwan-Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA), following the Sunday night attack.

Mutfwang made the call when he visited the scene of the attack on Monday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen on Sunday night invaded the community in a commando-style attack, leaving dozens dead and some injured.

The governor, who called on the residents not to take the law into their hands, acknowledged the pain from the tragic incident incident, and also assured them that the situation was under control and being monitored by security agents.

“This is a painful thing for all of us, Angwan- Rukuba is a community that harbors every ethnic nationality in Plateau, I personally have relations that have lived in Angwan- Rukuba, therefore this is a pain to all of us.

“It is not just to a few people, I want to plead with you; please let us not take the laws into our hands, I beg you.

By the grace of God, all these people will be given a decent burial. We will not allow any mass burial.

“We will make sure that we liaison with the families and give them a decent burial, they didn’t deserve to die like this, therefore, all that the families will require us to do, we will do it.

“As for those that are in hospitals, I want you to know that the government will take full responsibility for their medical bills, I am pleading with you, continue to trust us.

“Even the president is aware of this matter, we will follow it through and make sure that we get justice for the victims by the grace of God.

“Please, I plead with you, leaders, please, I beg you, young people, let us not take the laws into our hands, I beg you. In the heat of your anger, please calm down.

“God will help us to address the issues around it, may God comfort all of us,” Mutfwang said.

Meanwhile, the Police Command in Plateau State says 26 persons lost their lives following the Sunday night attack on Angwan Rukuba, a Community in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

Mr Bassey Ewah, the Commissioner of Police in the state, who made the confirmation on Monday in Jos, also stated that three persons were injured in the attack.

Ewah spoke when Gov. Caleb Mutfwang visited the community to commiserate with the victims’ families and the community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen on Sunday night invaded the community in a commando-style attack, leaving dozens dead and some injured.

The commissioner, who described the situation as unfortunate, however, assured the people that the security agents would fish out the perpetrators.

Earlier, Mr Ciroma Samson, the Northern Zonal Coordinator of Plateau Youth Council (PYC), said that the incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Samson, who corroborated Ewah on the number of persons killed and injured, however, called on the government to be proactive in ensuring the safety of lives and property.

He said that according to eyewitnesses, the gunmen, 10 in number, came in a Sharon bus and began shooting at residents sitting or standing by the roadside.

“These are just innocent people who have done no wrong, but their lives were sniffed by the enemies of the land.

“But our government can do better; it is quite unfortunate that criminal elements will unleash this mayhem within an urban community and go unhindered.

“Government should deploy technology and other modern means to support the efforts of the security agencies in addressing the security challenges in the state,” he said.

The coordinator called on the government to compensate the families of the deceased persons, saying that the majority of those killed were the bread winners of their families.

NAN reports that after the governor’s visit, the bodies of the deceased, which had not been evacuated since the incident, were finally deposited at the mortuary.

However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the “horrific” killings in Angwan Rukuba on Palm Sunday, expressing deep concern over the Jos, Plateau attack.

This is contained in a statement signed on Monday by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in Abuja.

The association urged the government and security agencies to move beyond “periodic reassurances” and “temporary measures,” demanding that the perpetrators be swiftly arrested and brought to justice.

”Nigerians are tired of mourning; Nigerians are tired of statements; Nigerians want to see action,” the cleric added.

Okoh noted that a day meant for peace, hope, and reflection was turned into a “day of bloodshed” where men, women, and children were hunted and killed in cold blood.

”We mourn; we grieve. But we must also speak the truth. How did we get here? How is it that people can no longer feel safe in their own homes?

”A nation cannot keep bleeding like this and expect to move forward. We owe the dead justice and the living protection,” he said.

The CAN President expressed particular concern over reports that the attackers were disguised in uniforms resembling those of security forces.

According to him, the use of imitation military gear strikes at the heart of public trust and must be thoroughly investigated by security institutions.

As the Christian faithful enter Holy Week, Okoh called for a balance of faith and “wisdom” regarding safety.

He advised congregations to be extra vigilant during upcoming Good Friday solemnities, Stations of the Cross, and Easter Eve vigils.

”Be prayerful, but also be vigilant. Take deliberate steps to protect yourselves and your congregations. Stay alert. Work with security agencies and local authorities,” he urged.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Plateau Government, the Archbishop maintained that the nation is passing through a “dark and painful moment” that must serve as a turning point for domestic security.