Fresh details have emerged from the deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, with residents alleging that the assailants stormed the area on motorcycles dressed in military-style uniforms.
A youth leader, Comrade Samson Chiroma, disclosed this while speaking on behalf of the community during a visit by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the scene of the Sunday night attack.
“Our attackers came on bikes in military-style attire,” Chiroma said, recounting how the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately on residents, killing several people and throwing the densely populated neighbourhood into chaos.
Another resident, Jerry Akims, told journalists that the attackers moved from house to house, targeting innocent civilians in a coordinated assault.
He explained that many residents initially mistook the gunshots for routine operations by law enforcement agencies.
“But the shooting didn’t sound normal. The attackers operated for several minutes before vanishing,” he said.
At least 27 people were confirmed killed in the attack, which occurred around 7:30 pm on Sunday, while several others sustained injuries.
In response, Governor Mutfwang has directed security agencies to shift from routine peacekeeping to proactive, intelligence-led operations to tackle what he described as an emerging wave of urban terrorism.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, the governor condemned the attack as “cowardly and senseless,” expressing deep grief over the loss of innocent lives.
“It is deeply heartbreaking that a city we have long regarded as one of the most peaceful in the region has witnessed such horror,” Mutfwang said.
He revealed that victims are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, with many reported to be in stable condition.
The governor also disclosed that security agencies have recorded initial progress, including the arrest of a suspect linked to the spread of inciting information capable of triggering unrest.
He urged law enforcement agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and ensure that perpetrators and their sponsors are brought to justice.
“The time for hesitation is over. We must deploy every available resource to defend our people and safeguard our state,” he added.
Mutfwang further commended residents for maintaining calm in the aftermath of the attack and called for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies.
Meanwhile, DIG Nadada said his visit to Plateau State was part of a directive from the Inspector-General of Police for an on-the-ground assessment.
He confirmed that additional security personnel, including Police Mobile Force units and intelligence operatives, have been deployed to restore order and track down those responsible.
“We are here to assess the situation firsthand and implement effective strategies to neutralise these criminal elements,” Nadada stated.
Authorities say engagements with community leaders and stakeholders are ongoing as part of efforts to prevent further violence.
