Plateau State government has said contrary to media reports that palpable fear gripped the entire state after gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked Zurak and Bangalala villages in Bashar District of Wase local government area of Plateau State, killing more than 40 residents, normalcy has since returned to the affected communities and the entire state is peaceful.
According to a statement issued in Jos and signed by the director of press and public affairs to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Mr Gyang Bere, he said Jos the state capital and environs remained calm and urged the people to go about their lawful business without fear of molestation.
The statement added that security agencies had been deployed to the area in order to arrest the fleeing bandits to bring them to account.
The governor also denounced the brutal attacks on the farming communities and vowed to ensure safety for all while describing the attack as utterly deplorable and completely unacceptable.
He expressed deep regret over the tragic loss of innocent lives stressing that such violence undermines ongoing efforts to secure the safety of residents, especially farmers who are returning to their fields.
Mutfwang also reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding all communities, including the capital city of Jos while affirming his administration’s determination to proactively address security threats in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and appealed to the people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly.
The governor extended his condolences to the bereaved families and called for unity among stakeholders to foster dialogue and prevent further incidents.
He also solicited the collective support of the citizens in fostering peace and prosperity across the state.