The Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Plateau State, has arrested 12 suspects, over Saturday morning killings at Rukuba Road, Jos North Local Government Area of the North-Central state.
OPSH is responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau and its environs.
Maj. Ishaku Takwa, Media Officer of the operation, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Jos.
Gunmen on Saturday attacked a convoy of five buses, killed 22 persons and injured 14 others.
“This morning, our troops swiftly responded to distress calls that suspected hoodlums blocked a Junction along Rukuba road in Jos North and attacked some commuters.
“Troops immediately mobilised to the scene and restored normalcy.
“Unfortunately, some persons lost their lives in the unfortunate incident, while others with varying degree of injuries have been evacuated to a medical facility for care.
“So far, 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and troops are on the trail of others, who took part in the heinous act.
“Those arrested are currently in custody for interrogation,” he said.
Takwa said the Commander of the task force, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, urged members of the public to volunteer credible information that would lead to the arrest of other suspects, currently at large.
He said the commander also appealed to residents of the area to be calm, law abiding and continue with their lawful activities without any fear of intimidation.
He, however, said that security personnel had stepped up patrols in Jos metropolis to maintain peace and security.
Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong has condemned Saturday’s attacks on commuters around Rukuba Road in Jos North Local Government Area, where 22 persons were reportedly killed.
The governor condemned the attacks in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham in Jos.
He said the attacks on innocent citizens no matter their backgrounds, would never be tolerated in Plateau, adding that sponsors of such attacks would be dealt with to serve as deterrent to others.
Lalong warned those bent on fomenting trouble in Plateau to desist as government would not allow any form of lawlessness to disrupt the peace of the state.
The governor said that security agencies have been drafted to restore calm in the area and also directed to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
He commended security agencies for their swift response, leading to the arrest of some suspects and the restoration of calm to the area.
He assured all law abiding citizens of their safety as security had been beefed up around the area as well as the entire metropolis to forestall further breach of the peace.
Lalong commiserated with the families of those affected while calling for calm.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons and behaviour within their domains to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.
The governor also directed the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok-Atu, to visit the areas to assess the situation and ensure that those injured received adequate medical attention.
Spokesperson of the Police Command in the state, ASP Ubah Ogaba, also confirmed the incident.
Ogaba said that security personnel have restored calm in the area, adding that resident were already going about their lawful businesses.
Senator Istifanus Gyang (PDP, Plateau North) also condemned the killings.
Gyang, in a statement on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media and Protocol, Mr Musa Ashoms, urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“No citizen should be made to suffer or lose his/her life simply on the basis of ethnicity or religion.
“Crime has no ethnic nor religious coloration, hence should be confronted and dealt with frontally by law enforcement agencies.”
The lawmaker also condoled families of the victims and urged all residents of Jos and Plateau North Senatorial District to pray and discountenance thoughts and actions that might give room for criminals to plunge the state into chaos.
He prayed God to grant the souls of the slain compatriots eternal rest.
