The Plateau State Government has confirmed the arrest of individuals who allegedly threatened that attacks would take place in Jos after the Ramadan period, following fresh violence that has left several people dead.
The State Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, disclosed this during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday. She said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to track down those responsible for recent killings in the state capital and surrounding communities.
Her comments come just days after a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area, where at least 20 people were confirmed killed and several others injured.
Residents of Angwan Rukuba are still in shock after heavily armed gunmen invaded the area on Sunday. Witnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers and opened fire on unsuspecting residents.
Many people were forced to flee their homes, while others sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The incident is one of the latest in a series of violent attacks that have troubled Plateau State over the years. The state, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has often experienced clashes linked to ethnic, religious, and land disputes.
Security agencies were later deployed to restore calm, but tension remains high in affected communities.
Speaking on the situation, Ramnap said it would be wrong to suggest that the government had prior knowledge of the attack and failed to act.
“To start with, no government will be aware that they will be attacking the community and they will not do anything about it,” she said.
She explained that those who publicly threatened violence after Ramadan had now been arrested, adding that investigations are ongoing.
According to her, the arrests show that the government is taking the threats seriously and is committed to preventing further attacks.
“The state government alone will not be able to achieve the necessary results required. Everyone has a responsibility for these people to be brought to book,” she added.
Ramnap also revealed that a senior police officer, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, recently visited Plateau State as part of efforts to strengthen security operations.
During the visit, the state governor met with security officials and stressed the need for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those involved in the violence.
The commissioner said the process of handling such cases involves different institutions working together.
According to her, while arrests are made by the police, investigations follow due process, and prosecutions are handled by the courts.
“Now you can see that when arrest is done, it may not go through the military. The arrest will go through the police. The investigation will go through a channel. The prosecution will go through another; that is the judiciary,” she explained.
She added that cooperation among security agencies, the judiciary, and the public is necessary to achieve lasting peace.
Plateau State has faced repeated outbreaks of violence over the years. These conflicts are often linked to disputes over land ownership, grazing rights, and political tensions between different communities.
Jos, the state capital, has been a major hotspot due to its diverse population and economic importance.
In many cases, attacks are followed by reprisals, creating cycles of violence that are difficult to control.
The federal and state governments have made several attempts to address the root causes of the crisis, including setting up peace committees and deploying security forces.
However, lasting peace has remained a challenge.
The recent arrests have raised questions about how threats are monitored and handled before they turn into actual attacks.
In this case, the government said it has taken action by arresting those who made the threats. However, the attack in Angwan Rukuba still occurred, highlighting the need for stronger preventive measures.
Residents and community leaders have called on the government to ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
They also urged authorities to provide better protection for vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
Human rights groups have stressed the importance of transparent investigations and fair trials, noting that justice is key to preventing future violence.
The Plateau State Government says it remains committed to restoring peace and security across the state.
Ramnap highlighted that tackling insecurity requires the support of all stakeholders, including community members, traditional leaders, and security agencies.
She urged residents to report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
As investigations continue, many residents hope that the recent arrests will lead to more breakthroughs and help prevent further bloodshed.
For now, the focus remains on maintaining calm, supporting victims, and ensuring that justice is served.
The situation in Plateau State is a reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria in addressing insecurity. While progress has been made in some areas, incidents like the Jos attack show that more work is needed to achieve lasting peace.
With continued cooperation and strong action from authorities, residents hope that the cycle of violence can finally be broken.