Tinubu Condemns Plateau, Kaduna Killings, Says Govt Acquiring Advanced Weapons to Tackle Criminals
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly condemned the recent killings in Plateau and Kaduna States, disclosing that his administration is procuring more sophisticated security equipment to enhance the capacity of security agencies to combat criminal activities nationwide.
The President’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the planned acquisition of advanced equipment is aimed at enabling security operatives to track and neutralise criminal elements in real time across the country.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians that those responsible for the attacks would be apprehended and brought to justice.
The condemnation follows reported attacks by bandits on communities in Plateau State and Kaduna State, where several lives were lost. In Plateau, residents of the Angwan Rukuba district in Jos were killed, while in Kaduna, assailants attacked Kahir community in Kagarko Local Government Area, resulting in deaths and abduction of villagers, including wedding guests.
Describing the incidents as unacceptable, the President said the attacks represent a direct affront to the nation’s values, noting that such acts of violence would not go unpunished.
“Anyone who sneaks under the cover of darkness to attack defenceless citizens is a coward. These attacks are not only intended to cause harm but also to provoke reprisals and deepen violence,” he stated.
Tinubu expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace in the affected areas.
“Our government is currently acquiring more sophisticated equipment to enable our security agencies to track and smash criminals, in real time, wherever they are,” he added.
The President further directed security agencies to intensify operations against perpetrators and also warned against the spread of misinformation capable of escalating tensions.
He cautioned sections of the media against narratives suggesting the attacks were religiously motivated, urging responsible reporting.
Tinubu reiterated that security agencies are actively addressing the situation and emphasised the importance of public cooperation in maintaining peace and safeguarding lives and property.
He also urged communities to adhere to safety advisories, including evacuation and relocation directives where necessary.
The President called for proactive intelligence gathering to prevent future attacks and ordered the immediate rescue of those still in captivity from the Kaduna incident.
“I urge our security agencies to be more proactive in preventing these attacks by acting on early warning intelligence. All the remaining abductees must be rescued immediately,” he said.
Tinubu also commended Caleb Mutfwang for efforts to manage the situation in Plateau, and Uba Sani for supporting rescue and containment operations in Kaduna.