Plateau Governor Orders Strict Motorcycle Ban Enforcement After Deadly Jos Attack
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has issued a directive for security operatives to rigorously enforce the existing ban on motorcycle operations within Jos metropolis. This decisive action comes in the wake of a devastating Palm Sunday attack in the Angwan-Rukuba community of Jos, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 28 individuals, including women, children, and students, with numerous others sustaining injuries.
Governor Mutfwang's Firm Stance on Security and Peace
In a statewide broadcast delivered from Jos, Governor Mutfwang emphatically reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to combating all forms of intimidation and insecurity. He expressed profound condolences to the people of Plateau State over the horrific incident, urging citizens to seek solace in their faith while assuring them that the government is taking all necessary measures to prevent such atrocities in the future.
Following this severe security breach, Mutfwang convened an urgent meeting of the State Security Council to thoroughly review and bolster existing security protocols. He specifically instructed security agencies to ensure strict compliance with the ban on commercial motorcycle operators, commonly known as Okada, within the Jos Greater Master Plan area. The Commissioner of Police will issue detailed guidelines to facilitate this enforcement, the governor announced.
Mutfwang reassured residents that his government remains resolute and will not yield to intimidation, calling on all citizens to adhere to the law as authorities work tirelessly to secure the state. "Despite this breach of security, I want to assure you that Plateau State will not succumb to fear or intimidation. We shall emerge stronger, united, and resolute in our faith and commitment to peace," he declared.
He further emphasized the necessity of deploying every available resource to defend the populace, protect lives and property, and safeguard the state's territorial integrity, asserting that "Plateau shall remain strong and peaceful." The governor commended community leaders, youths, and residents of Angwan-Rukuba, along with the broader Plateau community, for their restraint and refusal to retaliate despite provocation, praising their maturity and dedication to peace.
Mutfwang urged all citizens to maintain vigilance and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies for swift action, highlighting that security is a collective responsibility. "Let me assure you that every necessary measure is being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and safeguard lives and property across the state," he added.
HURIWA's Sharp Criticism of Political Leadership
In a contrasting development, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has attributed the attack to what it describes as a failure of political leadership at both state and federal levels. The rights group specifically blamed Governor Mutfwang and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for persistent intelligence and leadership failures that have failed to curb ongoing violence, particularly targeting Christian natives in Plateau State by what it termed Fulani terrorists.
HURIWA called on President Tinubu to address the nation regarding the situation, noting that as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the constitutional responsibility for protecting Nigerians through proactive and efficient deployment rests squarely with him. The group posed pointed questions: "Why is President Tinubu and his so-called National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, have not been able to design and build up implementable mechanisms and strategies that soldiers and other security forces are obliged by law to deploy to prevent the constant genocide against Christians in Plateau State?"
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA also questioned why actionable intelligence was lacking and why the Nigerian Army has been unable to prevent such genocidal acts since 2023. The group demanded that Governor Mutfwang either utilize the state's House of Assembly to establish armed vigilantes equipped with military-grade weapons and proper training to defend the people or resign immediately, arguing that the protection of Plateau State's citizens is his primary constitutional duty.
