Killings: COAS Shaibu deploys more troops to calm tension in Plateau

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the immediate deployment of additional troops to Plateau de-escalate tensions and restoring law and order across the state following recent killings in Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

This was announced in a statement by Captain Chinonso Oteh, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE on Thursday.

According to the statement, the newly deployed troops, numbering over 850, were drawn from formations in Abuja and Kaduna.

According to the statement, the fresh the reinforcement is aimed at supporting troops already on ground in de-escalating tensions and restoring law and order across affected areas of the state.

He said the COAS tasked trops with the protection of lives and property, as well as ensuring the safety and security of residents across Plateau state.

“While addressing troops at the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE in Jos, the COAS charged them to remain professional, disciplined and firm in dealing with criminal elements threatening the peace and security of law-abiding citizens.

“He assured the personnel that adequate logistics and combat enablers have been provided to ensure the effective execution of their mission.

Recall that tension has been rising in Plateau State capital following killing of at least 28 people in a deadly gunmen attack on the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area last Sunday.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday confirmed that 28 people were killed in the deadly gunmen attack in a statewide broadcast,

The attack occurred at about 7:30 pm in the Gari Ya Waye area of the community.

Mutfwang, who visited the scene of the attack alongside security chiefs and the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) where survivors are receiving treatment, described the incident as a “senseless attack” on law-abiding citizens.

“Twenty-eight innocent lives were lost,” the governor said, adding that several others sustained injuries.

Mutfwang commended residents, community leaders and youths for exercising restraint and refusing to retaliate, describing their maturity as commendable.

The Governor revealed that security agencies have already apprehended a suspect who had earlier issued threats against the state, and vowed that all perpetrators would be brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.