Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has ordered security forces to go after terrorists who attacked a church in Maikatako village in Bokkos local government area of the state leading to the death of 11 persons, while several others were injured.
LEADERSHIP learnt that the Assembly of God Church in Maikatako was attacked and burnt down by suspected gunmen who killed the victims that have been given mass burial.
The gunmen stormed the community late Tuesday night and shot sporadically at the worshippers. According to one of the residents, who spoke with LEADERSHIP and did not want his name mentioned the attack occurred at 9:30 pm on Tuesday.
Meanwhile Governor Lalong who condemned the attack said the killers must be fished out and brought to justice for the dastardly act.
Lalong said the rising incidences of attacks and destruction of farm crops, livestock and other properties within the general Bokkos area is becoming worrisome and must be checked immediately.
While sympathising with the families of the victims, the governor reiterated that his administration will not allow terrorists and bandits to get foothold in any part of the state as all security agencies have been directed to be firm and hard on any person or groups behind the criminal acts.
He again appealed to communities to always be security conscious and report any suspicious movements to the security agencies for immediate action particularly during the forthcoming yuletide season.
The commander of “Operation Safe Haven” and GOC 3rd Armoured Division Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali has paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to Maikatako village where he inspected the houses burnt and properties destroyed.
Having received briefing from the sector commander on the nature of the attack and efforts made to counter the terrorists, he commended the troops and the community vigilante for their quick intervention which prevented further losses.
Apart from ordering the deployment of more troops, the STF Commander directed the troops to pursue the fleeing terrorists and ensure that they are apprehended in line with the directive of the governor and president.
Gen. Ali also commiserated with the families of the victims and the entire community, asking them not to take the law into their hands by engaging in reprisals. He assured them that the security forces will not relent in ensuring that the people get justice.
The chairman Bokkos local government, Joseph Guluwa, commissioner for higher education, Prof Barnard Matur, former chairman Bokkos LGA, Hon Luka Makut were also at the community to sympathise with them.
The spokesperson of the state police command, Mr Alfred Alabo, said the police were after the assailants.
He said, “Our men are on top of the situation,” and promised to give more details of the sad incident to LEADERSHIP.
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