by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Federal Government, in conjunction with Plateau State Government, have reaffirmed their commitment to “deepening security collaboration,” following the visit of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 4, AIG Morris Dankwambo, to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The visit, undertaken on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, was aimed at conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the recent deadly attack in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area, evaluating the extent of the destruction, identifying operational gaps, and strengthening measures to prevent future occurrences.
Conveying the condolences of the IGP to the Government and people of Plateau State, AIG Dankwambo condemned the attack in the strongest terms, describing it as a grievous assault on humanity.
“The act perpetrated by these criminals is barbaric, wicked, and completely unlawful,” the AIG stated.
He assured Governor Mutfwang that security agencies were already reviewing existing operational plans, identifying vulnerabilities, and reinforcing tactical deployments to enhance the protection of vulnerable communities.
“Our tactical teams and operational units are fully committed and are already taking decisive steps to restore public confidence, maintain peace, and bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice,” he said.
The AIG further emphasized that sustainable peace and security require active collaboration between security agencies and citizens. He urged residents to embrace community policing initiatives, provide timely and credible intelligence, remain law-abiding, and refrain from reprisals capable of escalating tensions.
Receiving the delegation, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang described the visit as a strong demonstration of solidarity by the Nigeria Police Force with the people of Plateau State during a challenging period.
He noted that the visit underscores the Federal Government’s determination to work closely with the state in restoring lasting peace and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
The governor disclosed that the State Government had made significant investments in securing the Mushere axis through military deployments, enhanced police presence, operations by the Special Task Force, and the deployment of other security assets. These interventions, he noted, had considerably stabilized the area before the recent attack.
He, however, acknowledged that the incident highlighted the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation of security strategies.
“We cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results. We must constantly review our approaches, reassess our strategies, and adapt to emerging security realities,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The governor further revealed that immediately after the attack, the State Government convened an emergency meeting of heads of security agencies to reassess the existing security architecture and develop new operational approaches.
He stressed that intelligence gathering remains the cornerstone of effective security management and conflict prevention, adding that, while government is leaving nothing to chance on the fight to banditry, there was no State of Emergency declared on any local government area as a result of the Bokkos attack.
Assuring residents of the government’s resolve to pursue justice, Governor Mutfwang stated that security agencies were actively tracking those responsible for the attack.
“We are in hot pursuit of the perpetrators of this wicked criminality, and we have some very useful leads that are being diligently followed,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang commended the Inspector-General of Police for the prompt deployment of the high-powered delegation to Plateau State, describing the visit as timely, reassuring, and reflective of the Federal Government’s concern for the safety and well-being of the people.
He reiterated the Plateau State Government’s commitment to sustaining robust collaboration with all security agencies, while implementing additional measures aimed at restoring public confidence, protecting lives and property, supporting affected communities, and ensuring the return of normalcy to areas impacted by the attacks.
The governor emphasized that government remains steadfast in its determination to guarantee lasting peace, security, and stability across Plateau State.