President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Jos today amid heightened tension following Sunday’s deadly attack that claimed no fewer than 28 lives in Plateau State.
Suspected bandits stormed Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area on Palm Sunday, unleashing violence that has been widely condemned as barbaric.
The President’s visit comes after a meeting with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at Aso Villa on Tuesday. Tinubu had earlier been scheduled to inaugurate operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, but the trip has now been postponed.
Governor Mutfwang described the killings as “barbaric” and an act of terrorism, stressing that authorities are treating the incident as criminality of the highest order. He confirmed that victims’ bodies had been evacuated to the mortuary, while some families had already conducted burials.
Although the governor noted that calm had largely returned, panic resurfaced in parts of Jos following unconfirmed reports of the killing of two women in Jos North. The development triggered widespread fear, forcing residents to abandon businesses and return home shortly after stepping out in the early hours of the day.
Security operatives, including personnel from Operation Enduring Peace and reinforced police tactical units, were swiftly deployed to key flashpoints such as Farin-Gada, Bauchi Road, Angwan Rukuba, and Terminus Market to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered a massive security deployment across affected areas. He also dispatched the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Nadada, to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts.
Force spokesperson Anthony Placid said intensified policing and community engagement would continue until full normalcy is restored. The police chief also urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Association has raised concerns over the safety of students and staff, calling for increased and visible security presence across campuses, hostels, and student-populated areas in Jos North.
Authorities say additional security measures have been agreed upon by both state and federal governments to forestall further violence and restore lasting peace.