JTF Slams “Baseless” Collusion Claims In Deadly Palm Sunday Massacre
JOS 24
The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Enduring Peace, has issued a stern warning to residents to cease the dissemination of false reports following viral allegations that military personnel shielded gunmen during Sunday’s deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba.
In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday, the military high command condemned the claims as a dangerous attempt to demoralize troops and sabotage the hard-earned security synergy within the state.
The military leadership described the accusations—which were initially circulated by a local youth leader—as “unfortunate” calling it rhetoric that serves only to sow discord between the Armed Forces and the host communities they are sworn to protect.
Authorities cautioned that spreading such “baseless” misinformation during a period of high tension is not only irresponsible but poses a direct threat to public order.
The JTF urged the public to disregard the viral narratives, stressing that an internal investigation was immediately launched and has since confirmed that no such complicity occurred.
Setting the record straight on the Palm Sunday massacre in Jos North LGA, Captain Chinonso Oteh, Media Information Officer for the task force, clarified that the military’s involvement was strictly an emergency response.
“Despite the scene being a significant distance from their primary deployment zone, the Command mobilized four-gun trucks the moment a distress call was received.
“Upon arrival, personnel found the “terrorist elements” had already fled, prompting an immediate pursuit of the criminals—an account that has been corroborated by several survivors and eyewitnesses who were present during the chaos”, Oteh said.
While mourning the tragic loss of life, the Command assured residents that new strategies have been implemented alongside other security agencies to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.
Captain Oteh reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and warned that the force would continue to deal decisively with any criminal elements operating within the region.
The task force remains focused on its mission and appealed to citizens to remain law-abiding rather than falling prey to social media rumors, our correspondent reports.
