The killings of 13 persons on Thursday by yet to be identified persons along the road to the Rukuba Military Barracks, Jos has caused panic in the city of Jos, the Plateau State capital and environs.
Among those killed were nine members of a family and one said to have been shot by soldiers.
The gunmen were said to have invaded the Rukuba road, at about 8 pm, shooting at random.
It was further gathered that the gunmen carried out their operation unhindered and left without intervention.
Also angry youths who said the security men could not stop the perpetrators from the attacks, destroyed a police station at Gada Biyu area, linking to Rukuba road where the incident occurred.
Schools especially private ones had to hurriedly close and messages were sent to parents to come and pick their wards.
Confirming the attacks but could not give the casualty figure, the Plateau State Police Command through its Spokesman, DSP Mathias Terna Tyopev, said, “On the 27/09/2018 being Thursday at about 22:05 hours, the Plateau State Police Command Control Room in Jos received a distress call to the effect that there were sporadic gunshots at Rukuba Road, opposite Kowa Hotel, Jos.
Tyopev said, “The Command after receiving the report mobilized patrol teams immediately to the scene of the crime.
He, however, said, “The unknown gunmen who took advantage of the ongoing rain in the area to attack residents were forced to run from the scene by the combined superior gunfire of the Police and the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, “Some people who reside close to the hills were rescued while some persons lost their lives as a result of the attack and some others sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos and are currently receiving treatment.
“The combined security is out to contain the situation in Jos. As such, members of the public are to remain calm and law abiding.
”Meanwhile, patrol of the area is being intensified and investigation in the crime has commenced.”
