Army Debunks Claims of Complicity in Rukuba Attack

Army Debunks Claims of Complicity in Rukuba Attack

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace has dismissed as false and misleading a viral claim alleging that troops provided cover for perpetrators of the recent Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, the Media Information Officer of the task force, Chinonso Oteh, said the allegation, attributed to a youth leader in the community, was untrue and capable of undermining public confidence in security operations.

The task force stated that at no time did its personnel assist or shield those responsible for the attack, which claimed the lives of several residents.

According to the statement, troops responded promptly after receiving distress calls, despite being stationed some distance from the scene. On arrival, however, the attackers had already fled.

It noted that soldiers acted professionally to prevent further violence and immediately launched a pursuit of the fleeing suspects, a development corroborated by survivors and other security agencies present at the scene.

The statement added that four gun trucks were deployed to the area as part of the rapid response, stressing that the conduct of troops during the operation was in line with standard procedures.

The task force said it carried out a prompt investigation into the allegation and found it to be baseless.

Describing the claim as unfortunate, it warned that such misinformation could demoralise troops and create unnecessary tension between the military and host communities.

The statement urged the public to disregard the viral comment, remain calm, and continue to support security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing operations.

It further assured that troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, were intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend those behind the attack.

The task force reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and dealing decisively with criminal elements across Plateau State.