Six killed in another Plateau attack as governor vows to track down killers

At least six people have been killed in an attack on Gero community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang saying investigators have recovered evidence that could help track down the perpetrators.

The attack, which occurred on Monday night, has renewed concerns over the security of communities around Jos metropolis, with residents appealing to the government and security agencies to prevent further killings.

Mr Mutfwang gave the assurance on Tuesday during the swearing-in of special advisers at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, describing the attack as disturbing because of its proximity to the state capital.

The governor said investigators were pursuing leads from evidence recovered at the scene, expressing confidence that those responsible would be brought to 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 across the state to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, acknowledging that delays in providing information could undermine efforts to prevent 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 were killed in the attack, revising an earlier figure of seven reported by community representatives.

In a statement, the police spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, said unidentified gunmen invaded Gero in the early hours of Tuesday, 27 October, and opened fire indiscriminately on residents.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, immediately deployed mobile policemen and tactical operatives, led by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations, to the community.

The team, working with military personnel and operatives of Operation Rainbow, dislodged the attackers, who fled into a nearby hillside forest, according to the police.

The bodies of the victims were evacuated to a morgue, while an injured person was taken to hospital for treatment.

Mr Alabo said joint security personnel subsequently began bush-combing, cordon-and-search, and clearance operations to locate the fleeing attackers.

The operations led to the recovery of motorcycles and other items allegedly abandoned by the assailants, he added.

Mr Faniyan visited the community on Tuesday to assess the situation and meet community leaders, youth and women representatives, and other residents.

During the visit, residents expressed concern over the attack and called for measures to prevent further violence.

The police commissioner urged stronger cooperation between security agencies and community members to improve intelligence gathering.

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

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

Mr Tengwong said the gunmen opened fire on unsuspecting residents at relaxation spots and nearby shops.

He called on the state government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance and intensify operations to protect communities.

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

He said his administration would continue to pursue the prosecution of suspects linked to violent attacks across the state.

The governor’s pledge comes amid persistent concerns over attacks on communities in Plateau, where residents have repeatedly called for sustained security operations and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings.