President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to investigate and arrest those responsible for the recent violent attacks in Plateau State, where gunmen killed at least 51 people in Zikke and Kakpa communities in Bassa Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu condemned the brutal killings and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
He called on the Plateau State government, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to intensify efforts to end the cycle of violence and revenge that has plagued the region for years.
The President stated that addressing the attackers alone is not enough.
He urged the government to also tackle the root causes of the violence, including ethnic and religious tensions.
Tinubu said he had spoken with Governor Mutfwang and offered suggestions on how to restore peace in the affected communities.
Calling for unity, Tinubu urged all citizens—regardless of tribe or religion—to live in harmony.
He appealed to community, religious, and political leaders to rise above differences and work towards lasting peace.
He assured that the Federal Government would support Plateau State in achieving reconciliation through dialogue and justice.
Meanwhile, residents confirmed that the most recent attack began around midnight on Monday and lasted for over an hour.
Homes were set ablaze, and the injured were rushed to Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Amnesty International reported that houses were looted and criticised the government for failing to prevent the repeated massacres, especially just two weeks after another deadly attack in Mangu.
In response to the incident, youth leader Joseph Chudu called on Nigerians to donate blood for the injured.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association also condemned the killings, describing them as terrorism and urging the government to declare Fulani militants as a terrorist group.
They demanded a law to allow citizens to carry arms for self-defence, expressing disappointment that such killings keep happening without strong government action.
In a separate development, troops from the Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven rescued 16 kidnapped passengers along the Jos-Mangu road.
The rescue took place after an abandoned vehicle was discovered Sunday night.
The kidnappers opened fire but were overpowered and forced to flee, leaving behind six children among the rescued victims.
Some sustained minor injuries and received first aid before continuing their journey, while the military continues to search for the attackers.
