President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to track down and arrest those responsible for the deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, while assuring affected families of government support and justice.
The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, left more than 28 people dead and several others injured after suspected bandits stormed a popular bar in the community, according to the Plateau State Police Command.
Speaking during a town hall meeting in Jos, Tinubu expressed deep sympathy for the victims’ families, acknowledging the magnitude of their loss. He noted that no financial compensation could replace the lives lost but pledged that such an incident would not be allowed to recur.
“There is nothing I can give you, whether in billions, but to console you and promise that this experience will not repeat itself,” the president said, adding that only divine comfort could ease the pain of the bereaved.
He further assured that the Federal Government would provide necessary support to affected families while ensuring that justice is served. Tinubu also commended the swift response of security operatives and directed them to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
“To bolster security, we are deploying a network of 5,000 CCTV cameras across Plateau State to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response,” he announced.
In addition, the president instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to compile comprehensive data on victims and assess their losses for possible intervention.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the incident as a setback to the relative peace the state had enjoyed, noting that Plateau had recently begun attracting both local and foreign investments. He expressed confidence that the situation would be brought under control with federal support.
Former governor Jonah Jang called for sustained engagement with the presidency to develop long-term solutions to the state’s recurring security challenges.
Despite these assurances, tension remains high following fresh attacks in parts of the state. Gunmen reportedly struck a community in Heipang, near Plateau State Polytechnic, killing two people and injuring others. Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire late at night, causing panic among residents and students.
In a separate incident, a 27-year-old man was killed in Riyom Local Government Area after gunmen ambushed a group of youths along a rural route.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, led a high-level security delegation to the state for an on-the-spot assessment. Following the visit, the Nigerian Army deployed over 850 additional troops under Operation Enduring Peace to reinforce security operations.
Similarly, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu visited Plateau, condemning the attacks and announcing the deployment of additional tactical units to strengthen security coordination.
Stakeholders have continued to demand more decisive action. The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria urged the government to move beyond condemnations and implement concrete strategies to halt the violence. Likewise, the Evangelical Church Winning All described the attacks as a grave assault on human dignity and called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the president’s visit, describing it as inadequate. He alleged that Tinubu did not visit affected communities but remained within the airport, calling the move a “choreographed spectacle” that prioritised optics over empathy.
Atiku argued that Nigerians require tangible security solutions rather than symbolic gestures, stressing that leadership must be measured by its ability to protect lives and property.
As Plateau grapples with renewed violence, residents and stakeholders continue to call for sustained, coordinated action to end the cycle of attacks and restore lasting peace in the region.
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