Six people have been killed in an attack on Gero community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang to assure residents that security agencies are pursuing the perpetrators.
The attack occurred on Monday night and has renewed concerns over the safety of communities around Jos metropolis.
Mutfwang gave the assurance on Wednesday during the swearing-in of special advisers at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos. He described the incident as disturbing, particularly because of its proximity to the state capital.
The governor said investigators had recovered evidence from the scene that could help identify and track down those responsible.
“This particular attack left some bits of evidence that we are trailing and, by the grace of God, we will continue to pursue the perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he said.
Mutfwang Urges Residents To Report Suspicious Movements
The governor urged communities across Plateau State to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
He warned that delays in sharing information could prevent security personnel from responding quickly enough to stop attacks.
“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,” Mutfwang said.
He reiterated the need for residents to cooperate with security agencies to improve responses to threats and prevent further killings.
Police Confirm Six Deaths In Gero Attack
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that six people died in the attack, revising an earlier figure of seven reported by community representatives.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said unidentified gunmen invaded Gero in the early hours of Tuesday, October 27, and opened fire indiscriminately on residents.
According to Alabo, Commissioner of Police Ayodeji Faniyan immediately deployed mobile policemen and tactical operatives to the community.
The team was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations and worked alongside military personnel and operatives of Operation Rainbow.
The joint security team reportedly dislodged the attackers, who fled towards a nearby hillside forest.
Authorities evacuated the victims’ bodies to a morgue, while an injured person was taken to hospital for treatment.
Security Agencies Begin Search For Attackers
Alabo said joint security personnel had commenced bush-combing, cordon-and-search, and clearance operations to locate the fleeing suspects.
The operations followed the attackers’ escape into the surrounding forest after security personnel moved into the community.
Meanwhile, the governor’s assurance that investigators had recovered evidence has raised expectations that those responsible will be identified and brought to justice.
Residents continue to face concerns over security in communities around Jos, with calls for stronger preventive measures and faster responses to reports of suspicious activity.
