The federal government has stated that the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos north LGA in Plateau state occurred in a conflict-prone community and does not represent a breakdown of national security.
The attack on Sunday March 29, left at least 28 people de@d.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Radio House in Abuja, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, said security operatives are going after the culprits.
He added: “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Plateau State.”
Idris also disclosed that security agencies responded immediately after receiving distress calls from the affected community.
“Troops under Operation Enduring Peace were rapidly mobilised to the scene following distress calls,” he said.
“The military and other security agencies cordoned off the affected area, secured key access routes, and launched targeted search-and-clearance operations to track down the perpetrators.
“These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation.”
He reiterated that the federal government remains committed to protecting lives and property through sustained security operations nationwide.
According to Idris, President Bola Tinubu held a high-level meeting with security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation.
“A few hours ago, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held a high-level meeting with the nation’s top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps towards arriving at a lasting solution,” he said.
Idris added that the president has invited Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, for further consultations on restoring peace in the state.
“Following this meeting, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been invited by President Tinubu to further deliberate and chart a coordinated path towards lasting peace and security,” he said.
“The outcome of the meeting between President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang will be made public in due course.
“A 48-hour curfew was imposed in Jos North immediately after the incident to stabilise the security environment and support ongoing operations.”
The minister stated that the attack does not represent a collapse of national security, but a criminal act in a conflict-prone area.
“What occurred does not represent a breakdown of national security, but rather a criminal act within a known conflict-prone area — one that is being actively and decisively addressed by the authorities,” he added.
Idris said the federal government has directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
“The Federal Government has directed all security agencies to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice,” he said.
“There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria.”
He continued: “Nigeria’s unity remains strong, and we must not allow criminal elements to divide our communities.
“Nigeria will not yield to fear. We will protect our people, and we will prevail.”