Tinubu rages over mass killings in Plateau, Kaduna, orders security forces to strike

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday condemned deadly attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, describing the incidents as calculated assaults aimed at provoking wider violence and destabilising communities.

The President’s reaction followed the killing of residents in Angwan Rukuba district of Jos, Plateau State, and the killing and abduction of wedding guests in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Describing the incidents as a grave affront to national values, Tinubu said the attacks were not only acts of violence but deliberate attempts to ignite reprisals and deepen insecurity.

“Anyone who will sneak under the cover of the night and kill defenceless citizens as done in Jos and Kahir village, is a heartless coward. By attacking soft targets in Jos, their objective is not only to cause harm but also trigger a spiral of reprisal attacks and further bloodletting,” he said.

The President directed security agencies to intensify operations to track down the perpetrators, warning against misinformation capable of escalating tensions.

He also cautioned sections of the media against portraying the attacks as religiously motivated.

Tinubu stressed that security agencies were actively responding, urging citizens to cooperate with authorities and adhere to evacuation and relocation advisories where necessary.

He also acknowledged the safe return of two victims abducted in Kaduna.

“I urge our security agencies to be more proactive in preventing these attacks by acting on early warning intelligence. All the remaining abductees from Kahir village must be rescued immediately”, the President said.

Reaffirming federal support for affected states, Tinubu commended Caleb Mutfwang and Uba Sani for their response efforts.

“I commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for his efforts in containing the situation in Jos and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for supporting the rescue and containment efforts. I assure the people and government of the two states of my support.

“I commiserate with the families of those killed and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Our government is currently acquiring more sophisticated equipment to enable our security agencies to track and smash criminals, in real time, wherever they are,” he said.

The President said the Federal Government was strengthening security capabilities with advanced technology to combat violent crime and ensure perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.