Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has vowed to track down those responsible for the killing of residents in Gero community, Jos South Local Government Area, urging residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information to prevent further attacks.
Mutfwang gave the assurance on Tuesday during the swearing-in of Special Advisers at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos. He expressed sadness over the attack, which occurred on Monday night and left several people dead.
The governor described the incident as disturbing, particularly because it occurred close to Jos metropolis.
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He urged communities across the state to strengthen their vigilance, noting that security agencies depended on timely information from residents to respond effectively to threats.
“The security forces cannot be everywhere; they can only cover some places. If they get information, they will react, but sometimes the reaction comes late because by the time the information gets to them, it is impossible to have saved the situation,” he said.
Mutfwang assured residents that the government would continue to support efforts to apprehend the perpetrators, disclosing that investigators had recovered evidence from the Gero attack and were following leads to track down those responsible.
“This particular attack left some bits of evidence that we are trailing and, by the grace of God, we will continue to pursue these perpetrators of this dastardly act,” the governor said.
He also disclosed that the alleged leader of the deadly attack on Kombun District in Mangu Local Government Area had been arrested, adding that his administration would sustain efforts to prosecute suspects linked to violent attacks.
The governor said security agencies had intensified operations against criminal elements in recent months, stressing that the government would continue to pursue legal action against those accused of perpetrating violence.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that six people were killed in the Gero attack, revising the earlier figure of seven reported by community representatives.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said unidentified armed men invaded the community in the early hours of Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and opened fire indiscriminately.
He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, immediately mobilised mobile policemen and tactical operatives, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, to the scene.
According to the statement, the police team, working alongside military personnel and Operation Rainbow operatives, dislodged the attackers, who fled into the surrounding hillside forest.
The bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the morgue, while an injured victim was taken to hospital for treatment.
Alabo said joint security forces subsequently launched bush-combing, cordon, search and clearance operations in the area, which were still ongoing.
He added that the operations led to the recovery of motorcycles and other exhibits allegedly abandoned by the attackers, while investigations had been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The police spokesman further disclosed that Faniyan visited Gero community on Tuesday for an on-the-spot assessment, where he met community leaders, political representatives, youth and women leaders, and other residents.
During the visit, community representatives expressed concern over the attack and appealed for measures to prevent further violence.
The commissioner called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, youths and community members to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen local security.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious, assuring them that the command would intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and introduce additional measures to prevent future attacks.
On behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Nigeria Police Force, Faniyan expressed condolences to the community over the loss of lives.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while community leaders commended the swift response by security agencies and called for a sustained security presence in the area.
Earlier, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, told Channels Television in a telephone interview that seven people were killed when the attackers stormed Gero at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday.
Tengwong said the assailants opened fire on unsuspecting residents at relaxation spots and nearby shops, adding that the victims’ bodies had been deposited in a mortuary.
He called on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance and intensify security operations to protect residents and ensure that those responsible for the attack were brought to justice.
The police urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station.