Six people killed in Plateau attack as governor promises to find the killers

At least six people have died in an attack on Gero community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Governor Caleb Mutfwang said investigators have found evidence that can help track down those responsible for the attack.

The attack happened on Monday night. This has raised fresh worries about the safety of communities around Jos. Residents are asking the government and security agencies to step up and stop more killings.

Mr Mutfwang spoke on Tuesday during the swearing-in of special advisers at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos. He described the attack as troubling due to its closeness to the state capital.

The governor said investigators are following leads from the evidence found at the scene. He is hopeful that those behind this attack will face justice.

“This particular attack left some bits of evidence that we are trailing and, by the grace of God, we will continue to pursue these perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he said.

Mr Mutfwang also urged communities in the state to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to security agencies. He recognized that delays in sharing information can hurt efforts to stop attacks.

“The security forces cannot be everywhere; they can only cover some places. If they get information, they will react, but sometimes the reaction comes late because by the time the information gets to them, it is impossible to have saved the situation,” he said.

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that six people died in the attack. This was a change from the earlier report of seven deaths by community representatives.

Police spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, said unknown gunmen attacked Gero in the early hours of Tuesday, 27 October, and fired at residents without warning.

He mentioned that the Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, quickly sent mobile policemen and tactical teams to the area, led by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations.

The police team, along with military personnel and members of Operation Rainbow, chased away the attackers, who escaped into a nearby hillside forest.

The bodies of the victims were taken to a morgue, and one injured person was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Mr Alabo said that security forces later began combing the bush, searching and clearing the area to find the fleeing attackers.

During these operations, they found motorcycles and other items that the attackers left behind.

Mr Faniyan visited the community on Tuesday to see the situation for himself and meet with community leaders, youth, women representatives, and other residents.

During his visit, residents shared their worries about the attack. They asked for stronger measures to prevent future violence.

The police commissioner called for better teamwork between security agencies and community members to improve intelligence gathering.

The police also urged residents to remain calm and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Earlier, Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, said seven people were killed when attackers struck Gero around 9:30 p.m. on Monday.

Mr Tengwong explained that the gunmen shot at unsuspecting residents at relaxation spots and nearby shops. He urged the state government and security agencies to enhance surveillance and strengthen operations to protect the communities.

Beyond the Gero attack, Mr Mutfwang revealed that the alleged leader of a deadly attack on Kombun District in Mangu Local Government Area has been arrested.

He assured that his administration will keep pursuing the prosecution of suspects connected to violent attacks across the state.

The governor's promise comes as worries continue over attacks on communities in Plateau. Residents have repeatedly called for ongoing security operations and the arrest and prosecution of those behind the killings.