The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, has dismissed allegations that troops provided cover for perpetrators of the recent Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba Community, located in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The denial follows a viral social media claim by a youth leader in the community, who alleged that military personnel aided the attackers responsible for the unprovoked assault that led to the loss of innocent lives.
In an official statement issued by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the military described the allegation as “false, misleading, and unfortunate.”
According to the statement, troops only responded after receiving a distress call and were not present at the scene when the attack occurred.
The military explained that the location of the incident was a considerable distance from the troops’ deployment area, and by the time they arrived, the attackers had already fled.
“Troops acted swiftly and professionally to prevent further escalation of violence and pursued the fleeing criminals,” the statement said, noting that survivors and eyewitnesses can attest to the prompt response of security personnel.
The Task Force further disclosed that four gun trucks were immediately deployed to the scene, and their conduct upon arrival was corroborated by other security agencies as well as witnesses.
Following the allegation, authorities said a prompt investigation was conducted, which confirmed that the claims against the troops were unfounded.
The military warned that such comments could undermine morale among security personnel and strain relations between the armed forces and host communities.
It urged members of the public to disregard the claims, remain calm, and continue to support security agencies with credible information to aid in ongoing efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security across Plateau State, stating that it is working closely with other security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.