The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, on Wednesday visited victims of the recent Angwan Rukuba attack receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Doro, who had earlier paid condolence visits to the Plateau State Government and traditional authorities, said his visit to the hospital was to assess the condition of the injured and reassure them of the government’s support.
Describing the situation as distressing, the Minister said the victims, many of them young men and women, were going through immense pain following what he termed an unprovoked attack.
“It is difficult to put into words what I saw. Young men and women lying in pain, families holding on to hope, and lives suddenly interrupted by violence they did not deserve,” he said.
According to him, his immediate concern was to ensure that the victims receive adequate medical care while their families are supported during the difficult period.
Doro disclosed that 22 victims of the attack were currently on admission at the hospital, adding that no citizen should be subjected to such trauma.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, I commiserate with families who lost their loved ones and pray for the quick recovery of those undergoing treatment,” he said.
He assured that the Federal Government would complement the efforts of the Plateau State Government in providing humanitarian assistance to the victims.
“The state government has already taken over the care of the patients here, and we will support and complement their efforts as much as possible. We will also provide our usual humanitarian assistance,” he added
The minister further stressed that the government would continue to work with relevant authorities to ensure that perpetrators of the attack are brought to justice.
Doro, who also visited the scene of the incident at Angwan Rukuba, said he had engaged with community leaders, youth groups, and the paramount ruler to better understand the situation.
While noting that Plateau State had enjoyed relative peace in recent years, he urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
“My message to the people is simple: if you see something, say something. Vigilance is key to ensuring timely information reaches security operatives to help keep our communities safe”.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to standing by the victims and the affected communities, noting that support would continue beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
