The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, arrived in Plateau State on Thursday to commiserate with the government and the victims of the recent massacre in Angwan Rukuba. During his high-profile visit to the Government House in Jos, the police boss vowed that the perpetrators of the Sunday night attack would face the full weight of the law. Disu described the killing of innocent citizens in Jos North Local Government Area as a tragic and unacceptable breach of national security.
The visit marks a significant step in the federal government’s response to the renewed wave of violence in the North-Central region. Accompanied by top brass from the force, the IGP assured the people of Plateau that the police would not rest until peace is fully restored to the troubled communities. He emphasized that the protection of lives and property remains a non-negotiable mandate for the Nigerian Police under his leadership.
Strategic deployment of senior officers to Jos
In a decisive move to curb further bloodshed, IGP Disu announced that he had already deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Umar Shehu Nadada, to the state. The DIG is tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the security situation on the ground and coordinating ongoing tactical operations. This deployment aims to rejig existing security measures and foster better synergy between the police and other security agencies in the state.
The IGP noted that the presence of such a high-ranking officer in Plateau is a testament to the importance the federal government attaches to the situation. He urged the residents of Angwan Rukuba and the wider Jos metropolis to remain calm as the security forces implement new strategies to identify criminal hideouts. Disu also offered his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the “unfortunate” Sunday night raid.
Governor Mutfwang calls for community vigilance
Responding to the IGP’s visit, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed his profound appreciation for the solidarity shown by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs. The Governor admitted that the magnitude of the security challenges in Plateau is immense, noting that the problem predates his current administration. He recalled that previous governors, including Joshua Dariye, Jonah Jang, and Simon Lalong, all struggled with the same cycle of violence.
Mutfwang urged community leaders to educate their subjects on the necessity of extra vigilance to end the current “complacency” regarding security matters. He specifically warned against the misuse of social media, which he says fuels tension by recycling old videos and provocative voice notes to incite ethnic clashes. The Governor emphasized that the fight against violence is a collective duty, famously stating, “When you see something, say something.”
New enforcement of motorcycle bans and state policing
As part of the state’s immediate response to the Angwan Rukuba attack, Governor Mutfwang announced a stricter enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles. He pointed out that these vehicles have long been used by criminals to carry out hit-and-run attacks before escaping into hard-to-reach areas. To mitigate the impact on residents, the Governor pledged to modernize the state’s transport system while ensuring that security remains the top priority.
The Governor also lauded IGP Disu for his progressive stance on the proposed restructuring of the police force, including the concept of state policing. Mutfwang described the move toward state policing as an essential step for greater efficiency rather than a dismantling of the federal force. He expressed optimism that with the IGP aligning with the President’s vision, better days are ahead for the people of Plateau State.
