Tinubu: Killers of defenceless citizens in Jos, Kaduna are “heartless cowards”

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent killings in Plateau and Kaduna states, describing the attackers as “heartless cowards” and vowing that security agencies will bring those responsible to justice.

The President specifically reacted to attacks in Angwan Rukuba district of Jos, Plateau State, and Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where gunmen reportedly killed residents and abducted wedding guests.

Describing the incidents as barbaric, Tinubu said the attacks represent a direct assault on Nigeria’s unity and peace.

“Anyone who will sneak under the cover of the night and kill defenceless citizens as done in Jos and Kahir village is a heartless coward,” the President said. “By attacking soft targets, their objective is not only to cause harm but also to trigger reprisal attacks and further bloodshed.”

President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and warned against the spread of misinformation capable of escalating tensions. The President cautioned sections of the media against prematurely framing the attacks as religiously motivated.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that security forces are actively responding to the situation and emphasised the importance of public cooperation in maintaining peace and security. He also urged communities to comply with security advisories, including evacuation and relocation directives where necessary.

The President called on security agencies to improve proactive measures by acting on early warning intelligence to prevent further attacks. He also ordered the immediate rescue of the remaining abductees from the Kaduna incident while welcoming reports of the safe return of two victims.

Tinubu commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for their roles in managing the crises in their respective states and supporting rescue efforts.

He further assured both state governments of federal support while expressing condolences to families of those killed and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.