Governor Simon Lalong says security agencies have been directed to remain on the ground to repel any ambush in the state following the recent attack on Kabut village in Mangu LGA.

“We will not fold our arms and watch citizens being maimed and killed by criminals,” said Mr Lalong.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Lalong’s spokesman Makut Macham on Friday.

The statement said the directive was the resolution of the state’s security council emergency meeting chaired by him on Tuesday to review and assess the recent attacks where many lives were lost.

“The security agencies are to sustain the presence of their personnel on the ground to rebuild confidence and halt any further affront on innocent citizens,’’ it stressed.

It added that the council reviewed the situation and resolved that all suspects arrested for allegedly carrying out the attack must be immediately prosecuted.

The Plateau government stated that the prosecution would be transparent to send a strong message to the public that no criminal would go unpunished and that the council condemned the vicious attacks.