How Killers Disguised As NDLEA Operatives To Strike Plateau Community – Governor Mutfwang
Speaking on efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, the governor assured residents that security agencies were already acting on credible intelligence.
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has disclosed that the gunmen behind the recent deadly attack in Jos posed as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to gain access to the community before launching their assault.
The attack, which occurred in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, left no fewer than 28 people dead and several others injured. Despite ongoing investigations, the governor said no arrests had been made so far.
Mutfwang made the revelation during an interview on Channels Television, explaining that the attackers deliberately exploited the familiarity residents have with NDLEA operations to deceive them.
He said: “Obviously, the attackers have studied the psychology of the people who are used to seeing operatives of the NDLEA who come to raid neighbouring communities in search of drug addicts and what have you.”
“So, they came in that manner, hooded, and were shooting in the manner NDLEA officers used to shoot. So people took it for granted that it was an NDLEA incursion… and they didn’t resist it initially.”
“But when they realised it, a lot of damage had been done. And before they could wake up to begin to pursue these attackers, they had made an escape. It’s quite unfortunate,” he added.
Speaking on efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, the governor assured residents that security agencies were already acting on credible intelligence.
“At the moment, no arrests have been made in regard to this particular attack. But I’d like to assure Plateau people and Nigerians that we have some actionable intelligence that the security agencies are following up,” he said.
He, however, declined to disclose further details about the suspects, noting that investigations were still ongoing.
“We have some very useful leads that we hope will be able to lead us to who these attackers are. I don’t want to make a premature statement as to their identities,” he added.
The governor described the assault as carefully planned and executed, noting that the attackers demonstrated a high level of skill in handling weapons.
He also warned that the incident may have been aimed at destabilising the state and reversing the relative peace Plateau had experienced in recent months.
While acknowledging public anger over the killings, Mutfwang urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing the need to avoid actions that could escalate tensions further.
