The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the death of 22 persons following the violent clashed on Saturday between hoodlums along Rukuba Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident led to the attacked of commuters in a convoy of five buses with occupants coming back from Annual Zikr prayer in Bauchi State and heading to Ikare, Ondo State.
The Commissioner of Police, Edward Egbuka in a press statement in Jos said 14 persons were inflicted with injuries, currently receiving medical treatments in different medical facilities in the state.
” On 14/08/2021 at about 0928hrs, the Plateau State Police Command received a distress call that a group of attackers suspected to be Irigwe youths and their sympathisers along Rukuba Road of Jos North LGA attacked a convoy of five buses with Muslim faithful who were coming back from the Annual Zikr prayer in Bauchi State and heading to Ikare in Ondo State.
“Unfortunately, twenty-two (22) persons were killed and Fourteen injured in the attack.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of Police personnel, the military and other sister agencies were immediately mobilized to the scene where Seven victims were rescued and six suspects arrested.”
The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Edward Egbuka, along with the General Officer Commanding 3-Division, Major General Ibrahim Ali, visited the scene and ordered for a discreet investigation to fish out other perpetrators of the barbaric act at large.
CP Egbuka warned that those that perpetrated the dastardly act and others that incited it, will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The Command urges the public to remain calm and to furnish the Police with useful information that will aid the investigation.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have arrested 12 suspected persons in connection with the fresh violence that erupted at Angwan Rukuba road in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
The Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali in a press statement signed by Major Ishaku Gaji Takwa, Military Information Officer, said the violence led to the death of some commuters in the area and many sustained injuries.
“Troops of the Operation Safe Haven earlier today 14 August 2021 swiftly responded to distress calls that suspected hoodlums blocked Jos North Junction along Rukuba road in Jos North LGA of Plateau State and attacked some commuters.
” Troops immediately mobilized to the scene and restored normalcy. Some persons including innocent commuters lost their lives in the unfortunate incident while others with varying degree of injuries have been evacuated to a medical facility for care. Their condition is being closely monitored.
“Twelve suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident and troops are on the trail of others who took part in perpetrating the heinous act. Those arrested are currently in custody for interrogation.”
The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali appealed to the people to volunteer credible information that would lead to the arrest of other suspects currently at large.
Gen. Ali also appealed for calm and urge law abiding citizens to continue with their lawful activities without any fear of intimidation. Meanwhile, security patrols have been stepped-up in Jos Metropolis to maintain peace and security.
Reacting to the fresh violence, Governor Simon Bako Lalong warned the trouble makers bent on fomenting trouble in the State to desist as Government will not allow any form of lawlessness that will disrupt the peace of the State.
Lalong condemned the skirmishes around Rukuba road general area in Jos where some persons were reportedly killed including innocent commuters, directed security agencies to swiftly identify and arrest the perpetrators while dominating the area to restore calm.
He said the attacks on innocent citizens no matter their backgrounds will never be tolerated in Plateau State and those who are found to be behind such attacks will be dealt with decisively to serve as deterrence and restore public order.
The Governor however commends security agencies for their immediate response leading to the arrest of some suspects and the restoration of calm to the area.
While commiserating with the families of those affected, the Governor assured all law abiding citizens that security has been beefed up around the area as well as the entire metropolis to forestall further breach of the peace.
He reminds the citizens to remain vigilant and be security conscious in reporting suspicious persons and behaviour within their domains to enable law enforcement agencies respond appropriately.
Meanwhile, the Governor has directed the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu to visit the areas and ascertain the situation as well as ensure that those injured receive adequate medical attention.
[TheSun]
