Federal Government says Angwan Rukuba killings in Jos North were criminal acts in a known conflict-prone community.
The Federal Government has said the recent deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, which left at least 28 people dead, does not amount to a breakdown of national security, stressing that it occurred in a known conflict-prone community.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Tuesday during a press conference at the Radio House in Abuja, where he also confirmed that security forces are actively pursuing the attackers.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Plateau State,” Idris said.
He explained that troops were swiftly deployed to the scene following distress calls from residents.
“Troops under Operation Enduring Peace were rapidly mobilised to the scene following distress calls,” he said.
“The military and other security agencies cordoned off the affected area, secured key access routes, and launched targeted search-and-clearance operations to track down the perpetrators. These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation.”
Idris said the response formed part of a broader security strategy already in place across Plateau State and the North-Central region.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to carry out clearance operations and intelligence-led missions across vulnerable communities following attacks recorded in recent months,” he said.
“Reinforced surveillance and troop deployments have also been implemented in high-risk areas, supported by joint military-police patrols and strengthened rapid response mechanisms.”
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, adding that President Bola Tinubu had convened a high-level security meeting to assess the situation.
“A few hours ago, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held a high-level meeting with the nation’s top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps towards arriving at a lasting solution,” Idris said.
He further disclosed that Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has been invited for consultations aimed at restoring peace in the state.
“Following this meeting, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been invited by President Tinubu to further deliberate and chart a coordinated path towards lasting peace and security,” he said.
“The outcome of the meeting between President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang will be made public in due course. A 48-hour curfew was imposed in Jos North immediately after the incident to stabilise the security environment and support ongoing operations.”
While describing the attack as tragic, Idris maintained it should not be interpreted as a collapse of national security.
“What occurred does not represent a breakdown of national security, but rather a criminal act within a known conflict-prone area — one that is being actively and decisively addressed by the authorities,” he said.
The minister said security agencies have been directed to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
“The Federal Government has directed all security agencies to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice,” Idris said.
“There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria.”
He urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation that could heighten tensions.
“Nigeria’s unity remains strong, and we must not allow criminal elements to divide our communities,” he said.
“Nigeria will not yield to fear. We will protect our people, and we will prevail.”
