Renewed Violence: Jonathan places security services on red alert in Plateau

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has placed all Security Agencies in the country on red alert following renewed fighting and killing in Plateau State.

More than one hundred people were feared dead in Dogo Nahawa, just south of the city of Jos. Hausa-Fulani herders from the surrounding hills attacked at about 3 am (0200 GMT), shooting into the air before slashing those who came out of their homes with machetes on Sunday.

The move becomes necessary to stem the increasing insecurity in the State, according to a statement signed by Ima Niboro, Spokesman for the Acting President.

According to Niboro “the country arose this morning to news of renewed crisis in Plateau State. Reports reaching us indicate that marauding bands launched a flurry of attacks on certain communities in the state, causing considerable death and injury.”

“While it is too early to state categorically what is responsible for this renewed wave of violence, we want to inform Nigerians that the security services are on top of the situation.”

“This afternoon, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onovo, briefed the Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on the situation in Plateau. Dr. Jonathan is also billed to meet with the leadership of the country’s security services on urgent strategies to rein in the violence.”

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“In the meantime, the Acting President has placed all the security
services in Plateau and neighboring states on red alert so as to stem any cross border dimensions to this latest conflict. He has also directed that the security services undertake strategic initiatives to confront and defeat these roving bands of killers.”

“He calls on all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law abiding, since violence only begets further violence. He also sympathizes with those who have lost relatives and friends in these attacks, asking the Almighty to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.”