In response to the shocking attacks on 25 communities in Plateau State on Christmas Eve, leaving over 150 people dead, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, visited the state on Friday. However, the visit failed to ease the fears of residents in the affected and neighboring communities, leading to mass desertions due to the looming threat of further attacks.
Expressing his dismay over the killings, the IG announced the initiation of a special operation to curb the tide of attacks and violence in the state. During a visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Jos, Egbetokun revealed that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 4, Haladu Musa, had been instructed to temporarily relocate his office to Plateau State for a more effective operation.
“We have commenced a special operation in this state, and I have directed the DIG in charge of Zone 4 to relocate to Plateau. We are committed to ending this circle of violence in Plateau,” declared Egbetokun. He urged communities not to collaborate with criminals and emphasized the need for citizens to cooperate with the police and other security agencies to eradicate the criminal elements.
Quoting President Bola Tinubu’s directive, the IG vowed to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the full wrath of the law. He called on Plateau citizens to unite against criminal acts, assuring them of the police’s full support in addressing the menace. The IG emphasized that the fight against criminal acts should not be misconstrued as a war against a particular tribe or religion but a collective effort to combat criminals.
Governor Mutfwang commended the IG and his team for their efforts in tackling insecurity but stressed the importance of improved intelligence sharing among security agencies. He urged the police to demonstrate that the ongoing challenges could be overcome and called for a comprehensive approach, not only targeting the perpetrators but also unveiling their sponsors.
Later in the day, the IG visited the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba, and proceeded to Bokkos to meet with survivors of the attacks. Meanwhile, tension gripped Bokkos Local Government Area, with rumors of another impending attack leading to a mass exodus of residents seeking safety in Jos and other perceived secure communities. Transport operators took advantage of the situation, doubling fares from N1,500 to N3,000. The palpable fear underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the prevailing security challenges in Plateau State.
