President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday assured residents of Plateau State that the recent wave of killings in the state capital would not recur, as he visited Jos to commiserate with victims of the Palm Sunday attack in the Angwan Rukuba community.
“This will not repeat itself,” Mr Tinubu said while addressing community leaders and residents, acknowledging the pain and loss suffered in the attack that left 28 people dead and many injured.
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The president’s visit comes days after the incident, described as a coordinated evening assault. The incident has triggered a series of violent reprisals, tension across nearby communities, and heightened security concerns in the state.
Mr Tinubu said no amount of money could compensate for the loss of lives, but pledged that the federal government would support victims and ensure justice.
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“No amount of money can bring back the dead, but we will do our best to comfort you and walk with you,” he said.
He added that security agencies had been directed to go after the perpetrators, noting that top security officials were already on the ground.
“We will find the killers,” the president said. “The IGP is here, the Chief of Army Staff is here, and the security forces will do what is necessary.”
He also promised to strengthen surveillance, including installing security cameras to aid law enforcement in identifying criminal elements.
Governor seeks sustained support
In his remarks, Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the attack as a major setback but expressed confidence that the state would recover.
“This incident is a temporary setback. By the grace of God, we will overcome and continue on the path of peace and prosperity,” Mr Mutfwang said.
The governor noted that Plateau had recently experienced relative calm before the latest violence and urged continued federal support to sustain security gains.
He said he had convened a State Security Council meeting and taken “far-reaching decisions” to address the situation, adding that security agencies were intensifying efforts to restore order.
Mr Mutfwang also appealed for deeper engagement with the presidency, calling for a broader dialogue involving key stakeholders to find lasting solutions.
“These challenges have faced us for decades. We believe a deeper conversation will help us arrive at lasting peace,” he said.
Former leaders call for dialogue
Former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong said the recurring violence in the state requires collective responsibility and frank discussions among leaders.
“The solution to Plateau’s problem lies with the Plateau people. If we are ready, we can provide that solution,” Mr Lalong said, urging the president to convene a closed-door meeting with stakeholders.
Similarly, former governor Jonah Jang warned that the resurgence of violence in urban areas signals a dangerous trend.
“It is a dimension we must not allow to grow,” Mr Jang said, calling for urgent, honest engagement to address the root causes of the crisis.
Broader context
The president’s visit follows days of escalating tension in Plateau State, including fresh incidents of violence, reported killings, and criticism over the handling of the crisis by authorities.
PREMIUM TIMES has reported that residents have questioned repeated assurances by government officials, citing a pattern of attacks followed by promises that rarely lead to lasting change.
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Civil society organisations and professional bodies have also raised concerns about security lapses, intelligence failures, and the slow pace of justice for previous attacks.
Despite these concerns, Mr Tinubu maintained that his administration remains committed to ending the cycle of violence.
“We will break the cycle of violence, ignorance, and hopelessness,” he said, urging unity among residents and leaders.
The visit forms part of a broader federal response to the crisis, which has included increased deployment of security forces, high-level consultations, and ongoing investigations into the killings.
