Plateau Bloodshed: IGP Orders Security Overhaul, Vows Justice for Victims

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured the government and people of Plateau State of the Federal Government's commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that those responsible for the recent deadly attack on Kawel community in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area are brought to justice. 

The assurance was conveyed on Wednesday by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4 Headquarters, Morris Dankwambo, during a visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Old Government House in Jos. The visit was carried out on the directive of the Inspector-General to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the attack, evaluate the extent of the destruction, identify operational gaps, and strengthen measures to prevent future incidents. 

Speaking during the visit, Dankwambo conveyed the condolences of the police chief to the affected families and condemned the killings, describing the attack as barbaric, wicked, and unlawful. He disclosed that security agencies had commenced a comprehensive review of existing operational strategies while reinforcing deployments in vulnerable communities across the state. 

According to him, tactical teams and operational units have already been mobilised to restore public confidence, maintain peace, and apprehend those responsible for the attack. He also urged residents to support security efforts by embracing community policing initiatives, providing credible intelligence, remaining law-abiding, and avoiding reprisals that could further escalate tensions. 

Responding, Governor Mutfwang described the visit as a strong demonstration of solidarity with the people of Plateau during a difficult period. He said the visit reflected the Federal Government's determination to work with the state in restoring lasting peace and ensuring accountability for violent crimes. 

The governor revealed that the state had made significant security investments in the Mushere axis through increased military deployments, enhanced police presence, and operations by the Special Task Force and other security agencies. While noting that the measures had considerably stabilised the area before the latest attack, he stressed the need for continuous review of security strategies.

"We cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results. We must constantly review our approaches, reassess our strategies, and adapt to emerging security realities," Mutfwang stated. 

He further disclosed that immediately after the attack, the state government convened an emergency meeting of security chiefs to reassess the existing security architecture and develop new operational approaches, emphasizing that intelligence gathering remains central to effective security management and conflict prevention. 

The governor also clarified that no state of emergency had been declared in any local government area following the attack. He expressed confidence in ongoing investigations, stating that security agencies were making progress and had obtained useful leads in the pursuit of the perpetrators. 

Mutfwang commended the Inspector-General for the prompt deployment of a high-powered delegation, describing the visit as timely and reassuring. He reaffirmed the state's commitment to sustained collaboration with security agencies to restore public confidence, protect lives and property, support affected communities, and ensure a return to normalcy across Plateau State. 

The latest move by the police comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity in Plateau, with security agencies intensifying operations and reviewing strategies aimed at preventing further attacks and bringing all perpetrators to justice.