Jang condemns Plateau killings, pushes state police solution

Former Plateau State governor Jonah Jang has condemned the killing of 28 people in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, describing the attack as horrific and calling for urgent security reforms.

The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, left several others injured and has drawn widespread concern over renewed violence in the state.

Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday, Jang questioned the persistence of the killings.

He said: “Plateau State, our beloved home, has once again been pushed to the cliff’s edge by agents of darkness whose sole objective is to force us into a state of perpetual fear and regression.

“The horrific attack on the lively Angwan Rukuba community, occurring on Palm Sunday—a day dedicated to peace—raises a fundamental, soul-searching question: For how long shall these killings continue?

“The number of lives lost now stands at 28.

“These are not just statistics; they are 28 individuals full of promise, dreams, and potential, whose lives were violently cut short.

“My heart goes out to their families, and I pray for the swift recovery of those currently fighting for their lives in the hospital.”

The former governor called for unity among residents and urged security agencies to step up efforts.

He said: “As always, my heart is with the people.

“I call for unshakable unity during this dark period.

“We must not be deterred or cower before an evil that lacks the courage for dialogue and reason.

“It is an evil that erroneously views bloodletting as a tool of engagement in this age of human civilisation.

“I demand more from our security agencies.

“The fact that this atrocity occurred in the heart of the state capital underscores the brazen audacity of these terrorists.

“We must prioritise proactive intelligence gathering to forestall such tragedies.

“It is time to move beyond reactionary measures and dismantle the networks of these perpetrators before they can regroup.”

Jang also renewed his call for the creation of state police, describing it as critical to addressing insecurity.

He said: “Recall that a section of the Nigerian state criticised Senator Jang when, as governor, he advocated for the creation of state police to empower governors with better control over security, rather than the current structure where security agencies take directives from Abuja.

Senator Jang commends President Tinubu for his bold step in addressing the issue of state police and urges him to expedite the process to uproot these marauders.”

He urged restraint among residents while calling for decisive action against perpetrators.

Jang said: “While I appeal for calm and restraint among our young people, despite the pain and grief they feel, I call on security agencies to hunt down these killers.

“The terrorists appear to be adopting new tactics, and the government must review its operational strategy to counter them.

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to serve as a deterrent.

“We must stand together, shoulder to shoulder, and strengthen surveillance across our communities.