The Plateau State Government has assured motorists and other road users of safe passage along the Jos-Barkin Ladi highway following an attack in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, which left three vigilantes dead.
The government also condemned the attack and appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid blocking the highway as security agencies intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The assurance followed protests by women and youths in Kassa, who reportedly blocked the major highway after gunmen attacked the community at about 1am on Friday, killing three vigilantes, including the community’s youth leader.
The road blockage reportedly caused traffic congestion and left some travellers stranded for hours, as protesters expressed anger over repeated attacks in the area and demanded improved security.
In a statement signed by Joyce Ramnap, the Plateau state Commissioner for Information and Communication, made available to Journalists on Friday in Jos described the attack as ‘deeply regrettable and unacceptable.’
The government commiserated with the families of the victims and assured residents that security agencies were taking steps to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
It also appealed to affected families and communities to maintain peace, warning that blocking the highway could expose travellers to further danger.
‘Government wishes to assure travellers that the road is clear and open to motorists and other road users. Citizens are therefore urged to go about their lawful activities without fear, while remaining vigilant and cooperating with security agencies,’ the statement said.
Confirming the inincident, Rwang Tengwong, the spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), described the killings as sad and disturbing.
Tengwong said the victims were killed while protecting their community, adding that their deaths had heightened fear among residents and dealt a setback to local security efforts.
He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the attackers and bring them to justice, while calling for urgent measures to protect communities in Barkin Ladi and other vulnerable areas of the state.
BusinessDay reports that Security personnel were subsequently deployed to the area to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.