Plateau Governor vows arrest of attackers after Gero community killings

Gero attack leaves six dead, governor vows action

On Monday night, armed men entered the Gero community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State and opened fire on residents. Six people were killed and a seventh was injured, according to the Plateau State Police Command. The incident was reported to have taken place in the early hours, and the attackers fled into the surrounding hillside forest. On Tuesday, Governor Caleb Mutfwang delivered a national address during the induction of new special advisers held at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos. He expressed deep sadness over the attack and vowed to pursue the perpetrators. The governor said that security agencies had already recovered useful evidence from the scene and were actively following leads that could result in arrests.

Background

Plateau State has experienced a series of violent incidents in recent months. Earlier attacks in the Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area had also claimed lives, and the suspected leader of that attack has been arrested. The state police command has intensified operations against criminal elements, deploying riot police, tactical teams, and military personnel under Operation Rainbow to respond to the Gero assault. The governor reiterated that the security forces cannot be present everywhere at all times. He urged communities to increase vigilance and provide timely, credible information to help security agencies react more quickly. He noted that sometimes the reaction comes late because the information reaches the forces only after the attack has begun.

Why it matters

The Gero attack has heightened concerns about security in Plateau State, especially in the Jos South area. The loss of six lives and the injury of another have underscored the vulnerability of local communities to armed violence. The governor’s pledge to track down the attackers and prosecute those involved signals a commitment to restoring law and order. The recovery of evidence at the scene offers a tangible basis for investigations, while the arrest of the Kombun attack leader demonstrates that the state is actively pursuing justice. The incident also illustrates the challenges faced by security agencies in a region with limited resources. The governor’s appeal for community cooperation reflects the need for stronger intelligence gathering to prevent future attacks.

What happens next

A police report indicated that CP Ayodeji Faniyan, the Commissioner of Police, swiftly sent riot units and tactical squads, commanded by the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Operations, to the Gero district. The operation involved collaboration with military personnel and Operation Rainbow, which succeeded in dislodging the attackers. The deceased bodies were transported to the morgue, and the injured victim was taken to a hospital. Efforts to locate and apprehend the escaping suspects have been stepped up. The governor confirmed that the security agencies are pursuing the perpetrators and that the leader of the previous Kombun attack remains in custody. No specific dates for arrests or trials were announced, but the governor stated that the administration will continue to prosecute individuals linked to violent crimes across the state. The police command has also revised the casualty figure for the Gero attack from seven to six, clarifying the number of fatalities.