Killings: Plateau Govt. pledges to protect lives, property

The Plateau Government has vowed to take measures and work with security agencies to protect the lives and property of people of the state.

It said that it was deeply saddened by the violence in parts of Dong Kasa in Jos North Local Government Area and Kwi in Riyom on Sunday, which resulted in killing of innocent citizens.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Dan Manjang, said this in a statement on Monday in Jos.

It was reported that seven persons were killed in Dong village in Jos North area of the state by gunmen on Sunday.

Police spokesman in the state, ASP Ubah Ogaba, confirmed the incident, saying that it occurred at about 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Manjang quoted Gov. Simon Lalong as saying “he was deeply distressed by the incident and promised to ensure that the cherished values of peace and security and the sanctity of lives remain sacrosanct in the state’’.

Manjang described the killings as “barbaric, callous and a desperate attempt to rupture the peace and security’’ of the state.

He said that as soon as the government was alerted to the attack, it quickly reached out to security agencies that responded immediately.

The commissioner said that the security agents would apprehend and bring the attackers to justice.

He assured that the capacity of the security agencies for rapid response and intervention would soon be boosted once the approved 50 patrol vehicles and 200 security motorcycles were supplied.

Manjang assured people of the state that the Plateau Peace Building Agency, State Inter-Religious Council and other non-state actors would continue to strengthen the peace and cohesion of people.

He also assured that criminal elements would be fished out and dealt with according to the law but urged the citizens to continue to provide useful information for the prevention of crime.

Manjang said that government had resolved not to allow anyone or group to return the state to the dark days of sorrow, tears and blood.