Governor Caleb Mutfwang has disclosed that the perpetrators of the recent deadly attack in Jos exploited the community’s sense of security, carefully studying residents’ behavior and disguising themselves as operatives of the National Drug Enforcement Agency to carry out the assault.
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Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the governor explained that the attackers mimicked NDLEA operations, which allowed them to strike unexpectedly and catch both residents and security personnel off guard.
Mutfwang described the incident as “unfortunate and worrisome,” but expressed optimism that it would remain an isolated occurrence.
“As a matter of fact, the community was blindsided. The security personnel were also caught off guard because of the relative peace we have enjoyed, particularly in the last 10 months to one year.
“So nobody envisaged this kind of thing, and people came out in their numbers as they usually do to relax on a Sunday evening,” he said.
“Obviously, the attackers had studied the psychology of the people, who are used to seeing operatives of the NDLEA who come to raid neighbouring communities in search of drug addicts and what have you. So they came in that manner, hooded, and were shooting in the same way NDLEA officers operate.
“People initially assumed it was an NDLEA operation and did not resist, but when they realised what was happening, a lot of damage had already been done. By the time they began to respond, the attackers had already escaped,” he added.
“It’s quite unfortunate. It’s quite worrisome, having such an incident occur in the city centre, but we are confident that by God’s grace this will be a one-off event and not a recurring situation,” Mutfwang said.
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