The Plateau state police commissioner, Mr. Edward Ebuka, has said that miscreants and hoodlums were behind Saturday’s killing of 23 commuters in Jos.
The police commissioner stated this at a news briefing on Sunday in Jos, after heads of security agencies in the state briefed Governor Simon Lalong on the enforcement of the curfew imposed in Jos North, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas of the state following Saturday’s violence.
Speaking on the controversy over the identity of those behind the attack, Ebuka said, “these are miscreants and hoodlums who want to take advantage of the situation to cause trouble and loot.”
The police commissioner said, “This is not the first time it has happened. We don’t want to name anybody. It is just miscreants and miscreants will always want to take advantage”.
The Plateau state police command, had in a statement on Saturday by its spokesman,
Gabriel Ogaba, attributed the killings to “suspected Irigwe youths”.
However, the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), had while condemning the killings, asked the police to withdraw its statement, describing it as bias and unprofessional.
Ebuka said, the imposition of the 24 hour curfew in Jos North has curtailed the spread of violence in Jos metropolis where , according to him, seven persons were killed.
He however said the situation was under control.
According to him, a total of 36 persons from Saturday’s attack were rescued unhurt and in good condition, adding that
more suspects had been arrested and investigations were ongoing.
The police commissioner assured that security agencies will go all out to ensure that they fish out the criminals and miscreants who must be made to face the law of the land.
He advised citizens to abide by the curfew and avoid violations as the security agencies are poised to enforce the directives of the government in maintaining law and order.
The heads of the security agencies at the closed-door meeting include the Commander, Operation Safe Haven and GOC 3rd Armoured Division, Commissioner of Police, Airforce Commander, and State Director DSS.
Earlier, the Co-Chairmen of the Plateau Inter-Religous Council, Rev. Pandang Yamsat and the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Haruna met with the governor behind closed doors to discuss the intervention of the council in ensuring peace.
