Plateau Govt Vows to End Attacks on Communities

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Plateau State Government has vowed to end attacks on communities in the state, stressing that it is intensifying collaboration with security agencies to bring to an end the activities of criminal elements, who are bent on taking the state back to the dark days.

In a statement issued yesterday, the State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mr. Yakubu Dati, while commiserating with the people of Foron and Abonong where eight persons were killed and 95 houses burnt, said “Governor Simon Lalong has directed security agencies to leave no stone on unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to justice.”

He reassured that various peace initiatives are being put in place by the governor to ensure lasting peace in the state, “the latest being the just ended Northern Region Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) summit in Jos.

He added that government was reviewing criminal justice Act in the state to ensure that criminals are tried in the state, urging the citizens not to give up on the state’s cherished values of peace and hospitality.

Meanwhile, the state Police Command has confirmed that “eight persons lost their lives, three people were injured, 95 houses were burnt down and 310 cattl stolen” in the Tuesday’s attack.

The Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the command, Mr. Tyopev Terna, in a statement said, “the Police received information that some communities in Foron District of Barkin Ladi LGA – Abonong and Zayit, were under attack by unknown gunmen. The Command quickly mobilised to the communities. While the Police were approaching the areas, the attackers sighted them from a far and ran away from the scene of crime.”