Following a deadly attack on the Zikke community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has visited the scene and issued a stern warning against the dangers of ethnic profiling.
The assault, which occurred on Monday, resulted in multiple fatalities, the destruction of property, and the displacement of hundreds of residents. Eyewitness accounts and early reports had pointed fingers at armed Fulani herdsmen, a group also blamed for previous violence in neighboring Benue State.
However, during his Tuesday visit, IGP Egbetokun refuted these claims and cautioned against attributing crimes to specific ethnic groups without concrete evidence.
“Criminals are criminals — they don’t have a tribe,” the police chief said. “Let’s not let ethnicity divide us. We must come together and deal with these threats collectively.”
He described the killings as “senseless” and assured the community that the security forces would soon clamp down on the perpetrators.
“I won’t say too much now, but I can assure you — these criminal elements will be surprised soon. Their days are numbered,” Egbetokun added.
The Inspector-General also met with local leaders and victims of the attack, promising intensified patrols and increased security presence in the region.
The situation in Plateau State has continued to raise national concern over the country’s persistent ethno-religious conflicts, with many urging a more unified, non-partisan approach to peace and justice.