Gunmen have reportedly killed ten persons in two separate attacks in Plateau State.
The attacks which occurred in Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle villages in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs on Friday night also left several persons injured with properties including houses of the villagers set ablaze by the gunmen.
The Chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council, Farmasum Fuddang, confirmed the killings in a statement on Saturday
The statement read “Last night, April 12, our community in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state faced a horrific attack resulting in the senseless slaughter of at least ten of our members. Despite the presence of security forces, including the DSS, army, and Police, the perpetrators, identified as Fulani terrorists, were allowed to carry out their heinous acts with impunity.
“Under the cover of darkness, more than fifty armed terrorists descended upon the villages of Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle, targeting innocent, unarmed, and peaceful residents as they slept. The assailants set fire to homes and a place of worship, mercilessly gunning down fleeing civilians while nearby soldiers failed to intervene effectively.
“This brazen attack, which predominantly targeted children, appears to be part of a calculated effort to instil fear and perpetrate further displacement within our communities. We condemn this act of terror, which we believe is aligned with a broader agenda to impose sharia law and seize control of our lands.
“Just hours before this tragedy unfolded, BCDC Vanguard submitted a petition to the Department of State Services (DSS), challenging a leaked memo that falsely accused our people of planning violence against Fulani residents. We unequivocally stated that the intelligence behind the memo was fabricated and defamatory.
“Despite our efforts to rectify these falsehoods, the security apparatus failed to protect our community from the very threats we highlighted. We are appalled by the apparent prioritization of the lives of Fulani residents over our own and demand answers from the authorities.
“The timing of this attack, following closely on the heels of the DSS’s erroneous warning of an impending assault on Fulani communities, raises serious concerns about collusion or deliberate neglect. We refuse to accept such injustice and demand immediate transparency and accountability.
“This is more so that advance notices of attack in the area were published and circulated at least a week before the so-called DSS intelligence. The DSS ignored these warnings and instead chose to implicate the victims despite acknowledging in their memo that the Fulani were responsible for the six-day attack that claimed over 300 of our members last Christmas.
“We wish to put on record that the DSS alert is synonymous with the age-long strategy of the Fulani terrorists who often raise false alarms to intimidate residents and/or justify planned attacks. And unless the DSS clears its name on this, we reckon that it is complicit and compromised.
“Should the authorities fail to provide satisfactory explanations within the shortest possible time, we are prepared to pursue legal recourse. Enough is enough—we will not allow our people to be targeted and vilified while those responsible for our safety turn a blind eye.”
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on Saturday, condemned the fresh attacks in the affected communities describing it as a setback to peace efforts in the state
In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the Governor said his administration would not tolerate such wickedness in any part of the state and urged the security agents to apprehend the perpetrators without further delay
The statement read “Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has again condemned in strong terms, the renewed deadly attacks that have claimed several lives and property in the Kopnanle community in Mangu and Mandar Shar village of Bokkos Local Government Areas of the state.
“The attacks which occurred on Friday night, left some members of the affected communities injured. Governor Mufwang described the attacks as unfortunate and unacceptable, especially now that the government is diligently working to restore peace and security; and facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.
“Governor Mutfwang warned perpetrators of these dastardly acts to desist forthwith as the government is determined to fish them out to face justice.
“While appreciating the intervention of Security Agencies in the protection of lives and property in the state, Governor Mutfwang urged them to redouble their efforts in discharging their constitutional responsibility of protecting innocent communities.
“He expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and the affected communities and prayed for quick healing of those who sustained gunshot injuries.
“The Governor called on community stakeholders across the state to activate dispute resolution mechanisms in tackling issues of disagreement and report without delay, early warning signs to Constituted authorities for prompt intervention.
“He urged for vigilance and fostering of inter-community relations by residents of the state, particularly now that the rainy season is gearing up to ensure a safer and successful farming period”.
