Nigeria Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has visited, Bokkos, one of the scenes of mass killing of residents by bandits on Christmas eve in Jos, Plateau State on Friday.

The IGP during the visit ordered the deployment of tactical teams, equipment, and relocation of AIG Zone 4 to Plateau State temporary with immediate effect.

Officials said 148 people were killed in Bokkos Local Government Area, 19 in Mangu Local Government Area, and 27 in Barkin Ladi. 1,290 houses were burnt down in Bokkos council, one house was razed in Mangu Local Government Area and some others at Barkin Ladi.

The Nigerian Red Cross, a Non-Governmental Organization in Bokkos disclosed that 32,604 persons were affected during the bandit attacks. 84 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi were affected and over 29,350 persons are currently displaced.

According to the Red Cross, the coordinated attack left 301 persons injured and 27 houses burnt.

It would be recalled that bandits had launched attacks between Saturday evening and Tuesday morning in Nigeria’s Plateau State, killing over 195 persons as people prepared for Christmas celebration.

The attacks occurred in Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo, NTV villages in Gashish, and Ropp Districts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Bokkos local government area amongst others.

According to the news release made available by the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun was accompanied by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Force Intelligence.

Adding, they arrived in Jos, Plateau State, to address the tragic attacks that occurred in the Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos local government areas of the State on December 24th, “resulting in the loss of several lives”.

The statement reads further: “Upon his arrival, the IGP held discussions with Governor Celeb Manasseh Muftwang, the executive governor of Plateau State, alongside key stakeholders in the region.

“Addressing the situation decisively, the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of a specialized team comprising operatives from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counterterrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces (SF), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), and the Special Tactical Squad (STS).

“Their primary objective is to meticulously comb the affected areas, identify the culprits, and ensure swift justice is served to restore enduring peace.

“Moreover, the IGP also visited Bokkos to assess the situation first-hand and interact with the local community affected by this unfortunate event.

“To bolster the Force’s response and effectiveness in Plateau State, the IGP has ordered the temporary relocation of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 4, AIG Ebong Eyibio Ebong, to the state.

“This temporary relocation is aimed at coordinating the operations, which commence immediately. Additionally, extra operational assets have been deployed to the state to facilitate a comprehensive and swift investigation.

“The Inspector-General of Police has also shown readiness and commitment, in line with the president’s directive, to collaborate with the military in a joint effort to decimate the activities of the armed militia responsible for these attacks.

“He urged the people of Plateau not to add any ethnic colouration to the incident, emphasizing that it’s the handiwork of armed criminals, as the entire nation has condemned the attacks in unison.

“The Nigeria Police Force reassures the citizens of Plateau State and the nation at large of its unrelenting commitment to diligently pursue justice and ensure the safety and security of all residents.

“The IGP extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims affected by this tragic incident and reaffirms the Force’s staunch dedication to upholding law, order, and peace in the region”.

Earlier, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, visited survivors of the attacks in Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Areas of the state and promised to offset the medical bills of patients discharged for the past six months who could not make payment for the medical services received at the hospital.

Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State in a news release on Thursday, said: “Governor Mutfwang, who toured the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) after the departure of Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressed heartfelt sympathy to the victims and assured them of government support.

“He emphasized the administration’s determination to halt the persistent violence and bring perpetrators to justice.

“Moving through the hospital wards, Governor Mutfwang pledged to shoulder the medical bills for individuals with gunshot and machete injuries.

“Additionally, he confirmed settling the bills for patients discharged in the last six months who lacked the means to cover their expenses.

“Assuring the people of Plateau State, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, pledging continued support in all circumstances.

“Governor Mutfwang extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and all security Chiefs for their prompt response in addressing the security situation in the state.

“He also appealed for further assistance from the Federal Government in rehabilitating attack survivors and resettling displaced persons”.