Jos Attack: 11 More People Found In Search and Rescue Mission As Condemnation Trails Attack

Eleven of the missing travellers who were attacked while on their way back to Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria, after attending an Islamic event in Bauchi State, Northeast Nigeria, have been rescued on Sunday, Aug. 15.

Mansur Nakande, the Secretary General of the Fityanul Islam, told HumAngle that the missing persons were rescued after coordination between support organisations and the security operatives. 

He however stated that at least 11 more people are still missing as efforts were on to locate and rescue them using geolocation services. 

The Plateau State Government has also extended the imposition of the dusk to dawn curfew in the state to 24 hours after reported cases of reprisals in the state.

Meanwhile, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the attack describing it as wickedly motivated that has nothing to do with farmer-harder clashes in the area. 

“It is widely known that Plateau State has been one of the states affected by herder-farmer clashes, which have, in a significant way, been curtailed following the intense peace-building efforts of the administration of Governor Simon Lalong,” the president said in a statement signed by Garba Shehu, his spokesperson. 

“However, to be clear, this is not an agriculturalist–pastoralist confrontation – but rather a direct, brazen and wickedly motivated attack on members of a community exercising their rights to travel freely and to follow the faith of their choosing.”

“With the evident preparedness of their attackers, it is clear this was a well-conceived and prearranged assault on a known target, location and religious persuasion of the travellers not an opportunist ambush.” 

President Buhari said the attack and any of its form in the country is unacceptable adding that justice would be fairly done after the latest attack. 

“Make no mistake about it: in line with my commitment to protect all Nigerians, I have ordered our security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of this gruesome massacre of innocent travellers and bring them to justice,” he said.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State chapter, has also condemned the  attack and called for a swift arrest of the perpetrators.

In a statement on Sunday in Jos, Polycarp Labo, CAN chairman in the state, urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

“We wish to express deep pain over the recent attacks in Riyom, Jos North, Barakin Ladi and Bassa, leading to loss of lives and property,” Labo said. 

“The leadership of CAN totally condemns these attacks and pleads with security agents to ensure normalcy is restored.”

“Every human life is precious and the unlawful killing of any human being, regardless of their identity and affiliation, is unacceptable.”

”We mourn with the families of those who lost their loved ones, as well as those who have been displaced or suffered harm of any kind.”

“We urge security agencies to swiftly arrest all those involved, to bring an end to the needless killings,” he added.