•Tinubu and bandits
Barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu visited Jos, the Plateau State capital, to reassure residents and victims of the recent violence, fresh attacks have again shaken communities, raising concerns over the fragile security situation.
In the early hours of today, suspected terrorist elements reportedly from the Rankum (Mahanga) area launched an attack on the Jol community in Riyom Local Government Area, killing 51-year-old Dalyop Betobeje, reports The PUNCH.
The attack, which occurred at about 6:56 a.m., has been described by local leaders as a direct affront to ongoing efforts to restore peace in the state.
The latest incident comes on the heels of another deadly assault in Heipang District of Bassa Local Government Area.
According to the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), gunmen suspected to be herdsmen stormed Ban village at about 9 p.m. on Wednesday, killing a secondary school student, Gloria Godwin, injuring several others, and destroying properties.
Security sources who confirmed the incident said the police were already working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and had commenced efforts to track down those responsible.
In a statement issued by the association’s leadership, the group condemned the attack, describing it as “a brutal and senseless act” that underscores the persistent security challenges facing communities in Plateau.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” the statement read.
Chairman of BYM Heipang District, Jacob Pam Chall, while acknowledging the swift response of security operatives, called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those behind the attacks.
“It is imperative that security agencies sustain this momentum and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. Our communities deserve safety and peace,” he said.
The association also urged residents to remain calm and embrace unity, calling on community leaders and citizens to strengthen local vigilance and cooperation with security agencies.
President Tinubu, during his brief visit to Plateau on Wednesday, had assured victims of violence and residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the cycle of killings and restoring lasting peace.
“I promise you this experience will not repeat itself,” the President said while commiserating with affected families.
However, yesterday’s renewed violence in Riyom and the earlier attack in Heipang have cast a shadow over those assurances, highlighting the urgent need for sustained and decisive security interventions in the state.
Plateau State has, in recent times, witnessed a resurgence of attacks, particularly in rural communities, fueling fears among residents and testing the government’s capacity to maintain peace despite high-level interventions.
