…Troops dispel rumors of military complicity
…Govt’s actions ‘too little, too late’
… As CAN urges security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, proactive interventions
Fear has enveloped Plateau State as reports emerged of terrorists in military-style uniforms parading unchecked across communities.
Residents said that the government’s failure to halt the unprovoked killings signalled a lack of political will.
Allegations of complicity by some security agents and political office holders have compounded suspicions and mistrust in official channels.
“How is it that intelligence has been failing consistently? After every attack somebody will come out to say that they had pre-information about the attack, yet nothing happens. We continue to run in circles in this country,” a concerned Nigerian, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
Pius Odey, a psychologist, who spoke with BusinessDay also condemned the high level of bloodletting in the country, wondering what the government is doing beyond the usual feeble and reactive responses.
“Nigeria has become a killing field and those occupying the seat of power appear overwhelmed and helpless. The lukewarm attitude to this fight seems to suggest that the government may not be telling the whole truth about what is going on. Ordinarily, government, anywhere in the world is so powerful that terrorists cannot outgun government, but we are seeing something else here. The question to ask is, what is the essence of government? Lives of citizens have become so cheap to the point that the government is not moved in these cyclical bloody orgies. My heart goes out to the families that lost their loved ones, particularly the woman that lost her only son,” Odey said.
Observers warn that the security strategy is failing, with no accountability, impunity, and a persistent lack of prosecution for perpetrators.
Critics argue that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s statements condemning the violence were largely deadpan and fail to translate into concrete actions.
“Where are the suspects? Nobody is being punished,” lamented a resident who pleaded anonymity, noting the continuing threat to civilians.
“The systematic nature of these attacks suggests organised terrorism, requiring urgent action by national security leadership,” he said.
Calls have intensified for heads of security agencies to be held accountable, with some suggesting immediate dismissals if performance remains inadequate.
Amid public outcry, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, have begun coordinated operations to curb the unrest.
Two impostors posing as security personnel were arrested during night operations in Jos North, dispelling rumors of military complicity.
The arrested suspects were allegedly involved in arson and orchestrating violence, highlighting how criminals disguise themselves to incite chaos.
In a statement, Polycarp Oteh, a captain and media officer for the Task Force, confirmed the arrests and reported that two injured civilians were stabilised at a medical facility.
In Wase Local Government Area, troops engaged terrorists riding on motorcycles in Karem, forcing them to flee under sustained fire.
Three terrorists were neutralised in the encounter, demonstrating the effectiveness of specialised counter-terrorism units in the field.
“The military remains resolute in eliminating all threats to public peace,” the statement added, urging residents to report suspicious activities.
The recent attacks in Jos North, which claimed 28 lives, including women and children, have escalated fears and disrupted local communities.
In response, the federal government deployed additional troops and counter-terrorism units to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
The Plateau State Police Command also acted swiftly, arresting 12 suspected troublemakers in the Zololo area shortly after Jumat prayers.
Bassey Ewah, commissioner of Police, explained that the suspects attempted to cross into Nasarawa to incite unrest but were intercepted by law enforcement.
Ewah assured that the arrested individuals would face prosecution and warned others against destabilising the state.
He attributed the increased security presence to President Tinubu’s recent visit and the coordination of senior police officials.
Ewah cautioned that “merchants of conflict” may continue to try fomenting trouble but affirmed the command’s readiness to counter such threats.
The police commissioner also commended the Plateau State Government for supporting security operations and fostering collaboration among agencies to maintain lasting peace.
One killed hours after Tinubu’s visit
Barely 24 hours after the President visited Jos to empathise with residents, another attack occurred, raising fresh security concerns.
In the early hours of Friday, suspected terrorists attacked the Jol community in Riyom Local Government Area, killing one person. The assault reportedly originated from the Rankum (Mahanga) area and has been described by local leaders as a direct setback to ongoing peace efforts.
Rwang Tengwong, spokesperson of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), confirmed the killing in a telephone interview with BusinessDay on Friday in Jos.
He said: “Yes, after the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jol, a community in Riyom Local Government Area, was attacked this morning (Friday), and one person was killed.”
CAN condemns attacks
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the attacks in Plateau, expressing solidarity with affected families and calling for peace.
Daniel Okoh, CAN president, urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and proactive interventions to prevent further atrocities.
CAN emphasised the need to strengthen unity and resilience, reminding communities to support victims with prayers and relief efforts.
“May the peace of the season dwell in our hearts and homes, and may God bless Plateau State and our dear nation, Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
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