Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has confirmed that some indigenes of the state were killed in Plateau State on Saturday.
Reports had indicated that a gang of youth hijacked a bus full of passengers in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State and killed some of the travellers.
The report had it that at least 15 corpses had been deposited at a morgue in the state.
But while urging for calm over the issue, Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde in Akure said that the attack was “a case of mistaken identity.
The Governor said he has been in touch with his Plateau State counterpart over the killing.
The statement reads” Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, just a few hours ago, received the unfortunate report of the Plateau state tragedy where some people believed to be indigenes of Ondo State was attacked.
“An unconfirmed number of deaths are believed to have been recorded while some are severely injured in the said attack. Their true identity will soon be unravelled.
“The Governor says from the report he received from his brother Governor in Plateau, the incident was a case of mistaken identity.
“The victims, according to preliminary reports, took a route where crisis between Muslims and Northern Christians had ensued for some time, and that they may have been possible, mistaken for aggressors.
“Accordingly, either of the two feuding groups in the area could be responsible in this regard.
“Governor Akeredolu hereby calls for calm among the people of the state, urging that nobody should take the law into their hands.
“He particularly urges the people to refrain from any hasty colouration of the unfortunate incident.
“I have spoken with my brother Governor in Plateau, and he has assured me that the situation is under control.
” @ I want to plead with our people to remain calm. From the report I gathered, it is clear some were killed while many others who are injured have been taken to the hospital for medical attention.
“Let me again make it clear that I was informed by my colleague that it was indeed, a case of mistaken identity. I want to assure our people living in Plateau that they are not targets of any religion or ethnic crisis.
“While assuring that justice will be served, I want to plead again that we do not take the law into our hands. Let us remain calm.
“I also want to commiserate with the family of all those who has lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. We mourn the departed and feel the pains of their loved ones”.
Governor Akeredolu assured all Indigenes of Ondo state living outside the State of his commitment to their safety.