27 FEARED DEAD IN FRESH PLATEAU GUNMEN ATTACK

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Agency report

At least 27 farmers, including both men and women, were reportedly killed in a recent gunmen attack on Bindi-Jebbu, a village in the Tahoss community of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.

According to residents, the assault, which happened on Monday, also left numerous people injured. Several victims were rushed to medical facilities, including the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Hospital, for treatment.

Chairman of Riyom LGA, Bature Shuwa, confirmed the attack but said he could not yet provide an official casualty figure, as he was en route to the affected area.

The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Dalyop Solomon, also confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

According to him, the gunmen, suspected to be members of the Fulani ethnic group, stormed the community, shooting sporadically and setting several houses ablaze.

“27 persons were killed, and many were injured. We have taken the bodies to different hospitals before the burial,” Solomon said.

The National President said all corpses had been deposited at the hospitals and a date for their burial would be announced, of course.

Security agencies, including Operation Safe Haven and the state police command, have yet to issue any statement on the situation.

When contacted, the spokespersons of Operation Safe Haven and the Plateau police command, Major Samson Zhakom and DSP Alabo Alfred, didn’t respond to the text messages sent to them by our correspondent at press time.

The attack has once again highlighted the security challenges in Plateau State, where communities have been targeted by armed groups in recent times.

The incident has sparked concern and outrage, with many calling for increased security measures to protect the lives and property of citizens.

Plateau state government had last week recruited 150 new agro-rangers as part of efforts to address the security challenge facing the state.