Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Wednesday declared that those responsible for the killing of 22 persons in Kawel community, Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA), must be arrested and brought to book.

The victims were killed on Sunday night when gunmen invaded the community, killing residents and injuring others.

Mutfwang, represented by the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, made the declaration during a condolence visit to the affected community.

He condemned the attack and described the incident as senseless, tragic and unacceptable.

The governor noted that the killings, which occurred on June 21, were carried out without provocation and assured residents that government would pursue those behind the attack.

“This is very unfortunate and deeply painful. Government condemns these killings in totality because innocent people were reportedly killed without provocation or any disagreement. We want to assure the people that the perpetrators must be brought to book and they will face justice,” he said.

Mutfwang said his administration identified with the people of Kawel and the entire Mushere District in their moment of grief and reiterated government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Plateau State.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies as efforts were intensified to restore peace and prevent further attacks.

The governor also conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for comfort and healing for the affected community.

Our correspondent reports that Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Monday, deployed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi, Dankombo Morris, and tactical team to the State following the attack.

The deployment is part of efforts to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation and implement measures aimed at restoring peace and preventing further attack in the state.