Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, is scheduled to visit Plateau State on Wednesday, September 16, amid renewed attacks that have reportedly claimed at least 20 lives across several communities in the state within the past week.

The visit is expected to focus on èstrengthening security operations, improving collaboration among security agencies and stakeholders, and assessing police formations in the state as authorities intensify efforts to curb the wave of violence.

The Plateau State Police Command announced the IGP’s visit in a media invitation issued on Tuesday and signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo.

The statement said Disu would arrive at the Jos Airport at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday before proceeding to the Plateau State Government House for a courtesy visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang at 10:30 a.m.

He is also scheduled to engage officials at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, at noon and inspect the Police Staff College, Jos, at 3 p.m.

According to the police, the IGP will on Thursday, September 17, inspect the Plateau State Police Command headquarters in Jos at 10 a.m. before departing the state through the Jos Airport at 2 p.m.

The visit comes against the backdrop of a fresh wave of violence, including the killing of commuters at Dungus Junction, Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area, and separate attacks in Mangu and Riyom local government areas.

On Sunday night, September 13, at least nine passengers were reportedly killed when gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Junction.

The victims were said to be travelling towards Jos when the attackers opened fire on the vehicle at about 9:40 p.m.

Spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, saying several other passengers sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.

A member of the Plateau State security outfit, Operation Rainbow, was also reportedly among those killed.

The attack left the vehicle riddled with bullets and heightened fears among commuters and residents along the Jos-South axis.

In Mangu, four people were reportedly killed in separate attacks on communities over a three-day period.

The Mwaghavul Youth Movement identified the affected communities as Kikyau, Larkas, Ntul and Kinat.

The group said a 55-year-old man, Geoffrey Gumut, was reportedly beheaded in Kikyau on September 11, while 29-year-old Katbam Titus was killed in Kinat on the night of September 12.

Two other victims, identified as Pius Dachen, 50, and Zadok Irmiya, 25, were reportedly killed in Ntul, while Danjuma Kyesle sustained injuries in Larkas and remained hospitalised.

The latest incidents came shortly after renewed attacks in Plateau State in August, when at least 25 people were reportedly killed during an overnight assault on a community.

The recurring violence has continued to fuel concerns over the security situation in Plateau, where clashes and attacks involving farming communities and herders have over the years resulted in deaths, displacement and destruction of property.

Reacting to the latest killings in Mangu, the Mwaghavul Youth Movement questioned the continued attacks despite recent engagements between security authorities and community leaders.

The group said the Kinat attack occurred only hours after the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, visited Mangu and held a security meeting with Mwaghavul and Fulani leaders.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government has condemned the latest attacks and appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with useful information that could help prevent further violence.

T⁰, traditional rulers, community leaders and other security stakeholders on measures to strengthen security, protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.

The Plateau State Police Command has meanwhile urged media organisations to deploy reporters and cameramen to cover the IGP’s scheduled engagements.