At least three persons have been killed following an attempted attack by gunmen on the Hyeipang community in Jos, Plateau State, as security operatives repelled the assault and arrested one suspect.

The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Bassey Ewah, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists, noting that the incident occurred on Sunday despite what he described as a relatively calm security situation across the state.

According to him, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, had earlier reinforced operations in volatile areas following the directive of the Inspector General of Police, leading to the deployment of additional personnel, including the Special Intervention Squad and the Counter Terrorism Unit.

“Our state has been relatively calm. The Inspector General of Police directed the deployment of extra personnel to flashpoints. We have been receiving intelligence reports and acting on them proactively, even before plans by enemies of the state are executed,” Ewah said.

He, however, confirmed that there was a breach in Hyeipang where gunmen attempted to infiltrate the community but were met with resistance from a combined team of police, military personnel, and vigilantes.

“There was an incident in Hyeipang where gunmen tried to break into the community. Security forces fought back. Unfortunately, three people lost their lives, one is currently receiving treatment in the hospital, and one of the attackers has been arrested and is undergoing debriefing. He will face justice,” the police commissioner added.

Ewah assured residents that the situation remains under control, stressing that measures such as the ongoing curfew and the enforcement of the ban on motorcycles have helped in reducing tension and preventing further escalation.

“The curfew is still in place and has helped in keeping tension down. We are also enforcing the ban on motorcycles. We want to assure residents that we are on top of the situation and will continue to work hard to ensure safety and a return to normalcy,” he said.

The police boss also commended residents of Naraguta community along Bauchi Road for their proactive response in averting what could have been another crisis over the weekend.

Speaking on behalf of the community, a leader, Suraj Tijjani, said residents mobilised quickly after receiving intelligence about suspicious individuals attempting to cause unrest.

“At the weekend, we had reports that some boys were coming into our community to cause trouble. I mobilized the district head and leaders of the Hausa community, and together with vigilantes, we chased them away. Though we could not make any arrest, the good thing is that the crisis was averted,” he said.

Tijjani called on residents across Plateau State to remain vigilant and united against individuals or groups seeking to destabilise their communities. (Channels)

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