The federal government claims that the latest incident in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North LGA in Plateau state occurred in a conflict-prone neighbourhood and does not indicate a breakdown in national security.
At least 28 people were murdered in an attack on the neighbourhood on Sunday.
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, told a press conference on Tuesday at the Radio House in Abuja that security personnel are hot on the trail of the perpetrators.
The minister conveyed the federal government’s condolences to the victims and residents of Plateau state.
“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,” he said.
Idris added that security agencies responded immediately after distress calls were received from the affected community.
“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.”
The minister said the response forms part of a broader federal government security architecture in Plateau and across 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,” Idris 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 underlined the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property via ongoing security operations around the country.
Idris explained that President Bola Tinubu convened a high-level meeting with security and intelligence leaders 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,” he said.
Idris added that the president has invited Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, for further consultations on 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.”
The minister stated that the attack does not represent a collapse of national security, but a criminal act in a conflict-prone area.
“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 added.
Idris said the federal government has directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
“The Federal Government has directed all security agencies to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice,” he said.
“There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria.”
He encouraged Nigerians to remain calm and refrain from disseminating unsubstantiated information, which might exacerbate tensions.
“Nigeria’s unity remains strong, and we must not allow criminal elements to divide our communities,” Idris added.
“Nigeria will not yield to fear. We will protect our people, and we will prevail.”
