By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – Police in Plateau state say 22 people have been killed in an ambush by gunmen along Rukuba Road, Jos North local government area, Plateau State.
Police spokesman, ASP Gabriel Uba, said in a statement that gunmen attacked five passenger buses on Saturday morning and injured 14 people.
It was gathered that the travellers were passing through the area to Ikare in Ondo state when they were attacked and their vehicles burnt.
“Unfortunately, 22 persons were killed and 14 injured in the attack. Upon receipt of the report, a team of Police personnel, the military and other sister agencies were immediately mobilised to the scene where seven victims were rescued and six suspects arrested.”
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“The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Edward Egbuka, along with the GOC 3-Division, Major General Ibrahim Ali, also visited the scene and ordered for a discreet investigation to fish out other perpetrators of the barbaric act.”
“14 more victims have been recused making a total of 21 rescued victims”, the police said.
Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong has warned those bent on throwing the State into chaos to desist.
Governor Lalong condemned the act and immediately directed security agencies to swiftly identify and arrest the perpetrators while dominating the area to restore calm.
Director of Press and Public Affairs Makut Macham, said the Governor has directed the treatment of those injured in the attack.
While commiserating with the families of those affected, the Governor assured citizens that security has been beefed up around the area as well as the entire metropolis to forestall further breach of peace.
Governor Lalong urged citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious persons and behaviour within their domain to law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, the Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, has appealed to residents to volunteer credible information that would lead to the arrest of other suspects currently at large.
