The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong has ordered security forces in the state to go immediately after terrorists who were behind the attack on a church in Maikatako village in Bokkos local government area of the state leading to the death of 11 persons and left several others were injured.
Africa Today News, New York gathered that some yet-to-be-identified gunmen had attacked the Assembly of God Church in Maikatako and burnt it down while also killing the victims that have been given mass burial.
According to credible sources, the gunmen had stormed the community late Tuesday night and shot sporadically at the worshippers.
In the meantime, Governor Lalong who decriedd 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.
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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.