Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau has expressed his distress following the killing of 12 people at Sabon Layi community in Kuru District of Jos South Local Government of the state by unknown gunmen.

Mr Lalong, in a statement by his spokesman Makut Macham condemned the killing when he visited the community to condole with affected families.

On Sunday night, gunmen invaded the community, killed 12 people and injured five.

Mr Lalong in reaction appealed to citizens to increase surveillance and intelligence gathering.

He also called for collaboration with security agencies to foil such attacks which are carried out in a hit and run fashion by criminals who are bent on disturbing the peace of the state.

“These unprovoked and isolated attacks on soft targets must be stopped at all cost, as the government will never allow few criminal elements to create fear in the hearts of the citizens,” he said.

He gave the assurance that the government would do everything within its constitutional powers to end all forms of security challenges in the state.

While commiserating with the families of victims, the governor described those behind the incident as cowards who have no courage to face their victims for whatever grievances they may harbour against them.

“Irrespective of the motive behind the killings, the government views it as purely criminal and has directed security agencies to swiftly investigate, pursue, and arrest the perpetrators who must face justice.

“Government is injecting more equipment into the security apparatus to enhance their rapid response in crime prevention and investigation,” he said.

Mr Lalong further called on the people of the community to be law-abiding at all times and desist from reprisals.