Seven die as gunmen attack Plateau communities again

Gunmen have struck again in Barki Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State killing at least seven persons.

Our correspondent gathered on Monday that the latest attacks occurred on Sunday night in two separate communities of Dorong and Nding, within the council area.

It was learnt that five of the victims who were returning home after a picnic organized by a Christian youth fellowship in Jos were said to have been shot dead by the gunmen close to Nding Community bridge, while the other two victims died when the gunmen invaded their community at Dorong.

The names of the victims of the attack in Nding community could not be immediately ascertained as of the time of filing this report but a resident of the community, Mr. Solomon Dalyop who confirmed the two attacks to our correspondent in Jos on Monday gave the names of those who were killed during the invasion at Dorong community as Miss Janet Markus and Mr Dung Pam respectively

Dalyop said, “I’m at the scene of the incident as I talk with you. Around 6:20pm on Sunday, COCIN Youth Fellowship of Gassa and Nding communities of Barkin Ladi LGA were ambushed at Nding community bridge when they were heading back home from celebrating Christmas at Wildlife Park in Jos, Plateau State Capital.

“The attack claimed at least five lives while the injured ones have been rushed to the hospital.

“Also on Sunday evening, armed Fulani herdsmen invaded Dorong Community and killed Miss Janet Markus and Dung Pam.

“With the fresh killings that have been sustained in the past few days, we are beginning to agree with the rumour we heard that some armed Fulani have been moved to the communities to disrupt the peace in certain communities in the state during the Christmas and New Year festival and ensure that the killings continue so that there will be no election in Berom land because of insecurity.

“We call on government and the security agents to act swiftly and save the people from the situation and also ensure that those behind the fresh hostilities against the people do not succeed in their evil agenda”

Spokesman of the Plateau state Police Command, DSP Mathias Tyopev was not immediately available to comment on the incident when contacted.

Also, there was no response from the Media Officer of the Special Task force, Major Umar Adams when contacted on the phone as he did not pick his calls

However, some residents who reacted to the development expressed worry over the fresh killings in the area while calling on the Government and security agents to act swiftly, as the situation is said to be creating tension in the area.