By Ebute Mathew, Kaduna
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has vowed to track down those responsible for the killing of seven people in Gero community, Jos South Local Government Area of the state, urging residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information to prevent further attacks.
Mutfwang gave the assurance on Tuesday during the swearing-in of Special Advisers at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, where he expressed sadness over the attack, which occurred on Monday night.
The governor described the incident as disturbing, particularly because it happened close to Jos metropolis, and called on communities across the state to strengthen their vigilance and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He noted that timely information from residents was crucial to enabling security operatives to respond effectively to threats and prevent further loss of lives.
“The security forces cannot be everywhere; they can only cover some places. If they get information, they will react, but sometimes the reaction comes late because by the time the information gets to them, it is impossible to have saved the situation,” he said.
Gunmen reportedly stormed Gero community at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday and opened fire on unsuspecting residents at relaxation spots and nearby shops, killing seven people.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack in a telephone interview with Channels Television, stating that seven people were killed.
Tengwong called on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance and intensify security operations to protect residents and prevent further attacks.
He also urged the authorities to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Command, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed that an incident had occurred in the community but said he could not immediately verify the reported casualty figure.
Alabo said the command was making arrangements to visit the area, adding that the number of casualties would be confirmed after he received a full briefing from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area.
