KEY POINTS

• Governor Caleb Mutfwang met President Bola Tinubu in Abuja to discuss the killings in Plateau and steps to improve security.
• At least 28 people were killed in an attack in Jos North, while fresh unrest occurred after a curfew was relaxed.
• Mutfwang described the violence as terrorism, saying the attackers’ identities and motives remain unknown, as Tinubu prepares to visit the state.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Wednesday visited President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja to discuss the recent wave of killings and unrest in the state.

The visit followed a deadly attack by suspected bandits on a popular bar in the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area on March 29. The assault left several residents dead and others injured, with reports indicating that at least 28 people lost their lives.

The incident triggered widespread outrage on social media and prompted the Plateau State Government to impose a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to contain the situation.

After authorities relaxed the curfew on Wednesday, hoodlums reportedly attacked motorists and commuters in parts of Jos, sparking renewed panic among residents. The development heightened security concerns in the area shortly after the earlier violence.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Mutfwang said security operatives had since brought the situation under control. He added that discussions with the president focused on measures required to address the persistent security challenges in the state.

Governor describes attacks as terrorism

The governor described the violence as an act of terrorism, noting that the identities and motives of the attackers remain unknown. He explained that although the curfew was relaxed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., looters attempted to disrupt the peace again during the period.

According to him, joint efforts by security forces helped restore calm by midday, and the situation was currently under control. He said the incident marked a turning point that would lead to more proactive security actions in the state.

Mutfwang noted that crises of such nature often stem from multiple factors and that authorities would need to question both victims and perpetrators to determine the exact cause. However, he said security agencies had not yet apprehended any of the attackers, making it difficult to establish their identities or motives.

He added that while victims may offer perspectives, the government views the incident as criminal and barbaric.

President Tinubu is expected to visit Jos on Thursday to assess the situation and engage stakeholders following the attacks.