The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate deployment of police tactical assets to troubled communities in Plateau State.
This comes after coordinated attacks by armed assailants on March 28 in Bokkos Local Government Area, which resulted in the deaths of at least 50 people and injured many more.
The death has aroused considerable outrage and concerns over growing instability in the region.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the deployment was in response to the string of attacks and deaths that have rocked several communities in the North Central state.
Adejobi stated that the decisive move demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force’s determination to restore peace, ensure the safety and security of all communities, and bring perpetrators of these horrific crimes to justice.
He stated that the IG has tasked DIG Kwazhi Yakubu, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, with leading and coordinating this critical intervention with significant reinforcements, including additional units of highly trained tactical personnel, cutting-edge drones for enhanced surveillance, Police Mobile Force Armoured Personnel Carriers, helicopters, and specialised platoons from the Special Intervention Squad.
Adejobi stated that these resources will be strategically deployed to perform special operations targeted at effectively combating the ongoing attacks that have sadly resulted in the deaths of innocent people.
The statement added, “The recent escalation of violence began on March 28, 2025, when some armed assailants launched a brutal attack in Bokkos, resulting in the deaths of some individuals and serious injuries to many others.
“This initial incident tragically marked the beginning of a series of attacks that have since claimed the lives of scores of people, leaving communities devastated and gripped by fear.
“Recognising the gravity of the situation, the IGP has directed DIG Kwazhi and the deployed security forces to undertake a multi-faceted approach, focusing not only on suppressing the ongoing violence but also on proactively preventing future attacks.
“Upon arrival in Plateau State on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, DIG Kwazhi paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang.
“During this meeting, DIG Kwazhi conveyed the IGP’s sincere condolences to the affected families and communities, as well as to the entire people of Plateau State.
“The meeting also served as an opportunity to assess the situation firsthand, delve into the root causes of the attacks, and collaboratively develop a sustainable, long-term solution to these senseless killings.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains fully committed to working in close collaboration with the Plateau State Government, community leaders, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace and stability to the region.
“The NPF urges residents to cooperate with the police and other security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation and efforts to maintain peace on the Plateau.”
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
