’22 travellers killed’ in attack on Plateau highway

Twenty-two people have been reportedly killed, following an attack that occurred along Rukuba road in Jos north LGA, Plateau state, on Saturday.

The travellers were said to consist of worshippers, who were on their way to Ondo state after attending the annual zikr prayer in Bauchi, when they were attacked.

According to Ubah Ogaba, Plateau police spokesperson, the attack led to the death of 22 people, while 14 others sustained injuries.

“Twenty-two (22) persons were killed and fourteen injured in the attack,” the statement reads.

“Upon receipt of the report, a team of Police personnel, the military and other sister agencies were immediately mobilised to the scene where twenty-one (21) victims were rescued and six suspects arrested.”

Meanwhile, Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau, has warned those fomenting trouble in the state to desist.

According to a statement by Makut Macham, spokesperson to the governor, Lalong commiserated with the families of victims of the attack.

“Governor Lalong, while reacting to the reported skirmishes around Rukuba road general area in Jos where some persons were reportedly killed including innocent commuters, condemned the act and immediately directed security agencies to swiftly identify and arrest the perpetrators while dominating the area to restore calm,” Macham said.

“Lalong said the attacks on innocent citizens, no matter their backgrounds, will never be tolerated in Plateau State and those who are found to be behind such attacks will be dealt with decisively to serve as deterrence and restore public order.

“The Governor, however, commends security agencies for their immediate response leading to the arrest of some suspects and the restoration of calm to the area.

“While commiserating with the families of those affected, the Governor assured all law abiding citizens that security has been beefed up around the area as well as the entire metropolis to forestall further breach of the peace.”