Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, says the state government would not allow a mass burial for victims of Sunday’s terror attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos north LGA.
At least 12 people were killed, and several others were injured when suspected bandits attacked at a popular bar in the community on Sunday evening.
The injured victims were said to have been evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The attack sparked outrage on social media, prompting the state government to impose a 48-hour curfew in the affected local government area.
In a statement issued on Monday, Gyang Bere, director of press and public relations to the governor of Plateau, said Muftwang visited Angwan Rukuba community on Monday and promised that the government would give a befitting burial to every victim who died in the attack.
“This is a painful moment for all of us. Angwan Rukuba is a community that accommodates people from diverse ethnic backgrounds across Plateau state,” Bere quoted the governor as saying.
“Therefore, this is not the pain of a few—it is the pain of all of us.
“We will not allow mass burial. Government will work closely with the families to give each victim a befitting burial. They did not deserve to die in such a manner.”
Bere said the governor described the incident as painful, tragic, and unacceptable, assuring that the perpetrators of the attack would be tracked down and brought to justice.
Mutfwang said the state government would take full responsibility for the medical treatment of all injured victims until full recovery.
He appealed for calm, particularly among the youth, urging residents to resist any temptation to take the law into their own hands.
“The greatest honour we can give to the departed is to remain peaceful and allow due process to take its course,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, the governor said one suspect linked to prior threats had already been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other perpetrators.
He assured citizens that both the state and federal authorities, including the President Bola Tinubu, are fully engaged and committed to ensuring justice is served.
“The governor directed that the bodies of the deceased be evacuated to the mortuary, while consultations continue with families and stakeholders towards ensuring justice and lasting peace in the area,” the statement reads.
“He subsequently visited victims receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where he offered prayers for their speedy and full recovery.”
During the visit, Samson Chiroma, one of the community leaders, while recounting the attack, alleged that the assailants appeared in military-style attire.
He called on government to act swiftly, ensure justice for the victims, and facilitate proper burial arrangements, noting that the community remains in deep mourning.
