10 killed in fresh attacks in Plateau communities
Two communities in the Bokkos local government area of Plateau State, Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle, were subjected to attacks on Friday night, resulting in the loss of at least 10 lives.
Although the State Police Command and Operation Safe Haven (OpSH), responsible for peacekeeping in the state, have yet to officially respond to the incident, Barrister Farmasum Fuddang, Chairman of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC), confirmed the tragic events.
State Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attacks and urged security forces to apprehend the perpetrators.
According to Fuddang’s statement issued in Jos on Saturday, armed terrorists numbering over 50 descended upon the villages of Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle under the cover of darkness.
They targeted unarmed and peaceful residents, setting homes and a place of worship ablaze, and ruthlessly gunning down fleeing civilians. Despite the presence of security forces, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Army, and Police, the assailants were able to carry out their atrocities with impunity.
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The attacks, which primarily targeted children, appear to be part of a broader agenda to instill fear and displace communities. Fuddang condemned the terror, alleging that it aligns with an agenda to impose sharia law and seize control of their lands.
He criticised the security apparatus for failing to protect the community despite prior warnings about potential threats.
Governor Mutfwang, in a separate statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, denounced the renewed attacks, labeling them as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
He assured that the government is committed to restoring peace and security and facilitating the return of displaced persons to their homes. The governor warned perpetrators to cease their actions, emphasizing the government’s determination to bring them to justice.
Expressing sympathy to the bereaved families and affected communities, Governor Mutfwang prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the attacks. He also commended the efforts of security agencies in protecting lives and property while urging them to intensify their efforts to safeguard innocent communities.
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