“Plateau Killing Was A Case Of Mistaken Identity,” – Governor Akeredolu

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has reacted to the tragic bloodbath that occurred in Plateau on Saturday, saying it was a case of mistaken identity and the people should desist from reprisal.

Akeredolu addressed this issue after indigenes of Ondo State were reportedly victims of the awful onslaught.

The Governor, in a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, called for peace and disclosed that he was informed by his colleague, the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, that the tragic incident was indeed a case of mistaken identity.

“The victims, according to preliminary reports, took a route where crises between Muslims and Northern Christians had ensued for some time and that they may have been possible, mistaken for aggressors. Accordingly, either of the two feuding groups in the area could be responsible in this regard.”

He assured all indigenes of Ondo living outside the state of his allegiance to their defence and disclosed that they are not the intended victims of any religious feud. He, therefore, urged people to further refrain from any abrupt colouration of the unfortunate occurrence. 

“I have spoken with my brother Governor in Plateau, and he has assured me that the situation is under control. I want to plead with our people to remain calm. I want to plead again that we do not take the law into our hands. Let us remain calm.”

Akeredolu also commiserated with the family of the deceased and said the people of Ondo State mourn and feel the grief of their loved ones. 

“From the report, I gathered, it is clear some were killed while many others who are colouration been taken to the hospital for medical attention.”

The spokesperson for Plateau State Police Command, Ubah Ogaba in a statement also confirmed that the Plateau State Police Command received a call that a group of assailants along Rukuba Road of Jos North Local Government Area attacked a convoy of five buses returning from the annual Zikr prayer in Bauchi State heading for Ikare in Ondo State where 22 persons were killed and 14 injured in the attack.

The Military Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven, Major Ishaku Takwa, in a statement, confirmed that 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and that their troops are still on the trail of other murderers involved in the vicious act.

“This morning, our troops swiftly responded to distress calls that suspected hoodlums blocked a junction along Rukuba Road in the Jos North Local Government Area and attacked some commuters. Troops immediately mobilized to the scene and restored normalcy. Unfortunately, some persons lost their lives in the incident, while others with varying degrees of injury have been evacuated to a medical facility for care. So far, Those arrested are currently in custody for interrogation.”

Governor Simon Lalong has consequently imposed a 24-hour curfew on the local government area affected by this menace and said residents of the state should comply with directives to allow security operatives to maintain peace and order in the state. 

“From 2 pm of today, Sunday 15th August 2021, a 24-hour curfew will come into effect in Jos North Local Government Area.

“This is necessitated by security reports, which indicate rising threats to the safety of lives and properties within the Local Government,” he said.

Campus Reporter

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