Army debunks claim troops aided attackers in Jos North massacre

By Golok Nanmwa

Jos – The Joint Task Force (Operation Enduring Peace) has dismissed as false a viral social media claim by a youth leader from Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, that troops provided cover for attackers during the Palm Sunday massacre that left 28 people dead.

In a statement on Tuesday, the JTF spokesman, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said troops acted professionally and did not aid the assailants at any point.

“On receiving a distress call, troops swiftly mobilized to the scene, which was far from their deployment area. They observed that the attackers had already fled. Troops acted professionally to avert further bloodshed and pursued the fleeing criminals,” the statement read.

Captain Oteh added that four gun trucks were dispatched to the scene, and the troops’ conduct was corroborated by other security agencies and eyewitnesses. An internal investigation confirmed that the allegation was untrue.

“The comment by the youth leader is false, misleading, and unfortunate. It is capable of demoralizing troops and creating tension between the military and the host community,” he said.

He urged the public to disregard the claim, remain calm, and support security forces with credible intelligence to help apprehend the perpetrators.

“The troops, in collaboration with other agencies, have adopted effective strategies to identify and bring the attackers to justice. They will continue to act decisively while maintaining peace in all parts of Plateau State,” Captain Oteh added.

The attack on Angwan Rukuba, which occurred on Sunday, claimed 28 lives.

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