A recent attack in Plateau results in the tragic loss of eight lives
Gunmen unleash a fresh attack in Plateau state, claiming the lives of at least eight individuals.
The incident took place on Friday night in the Rawuru community, located within the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.
Dalyop expressed, "We have confirmed that eight individuals were tragically killed during the recent attack in Rawuru community, Barkin LGA. What is puzzling is that prior to the attack, some soldiers visited the village in the afternoon. We even witnessed their presence at night as well."
He continued, "Despite the soldiers and security agents being present within the community, the assailants managed to carry out the attacks successfully, resulting in the deaths of innocent victims who were in their own homes. How is it possible that the attackers evaded apprehension by the soldiers and security agents?"
Another leader from the community, Jerry Datim, who serves as the president of the Global Society for Middle Belt Heritage, expressed his concern, stating that these attacks have become all too frequent. He called for a thorough investigation into the actions of the Military Taskforce deployed to maintain peace in Plateau communities.
Datim also highlighted the alarming statistics, stating that a total of 276 individuals have lost their lives in various communities over the past month due to these relentless attacks, leaving over 30,000 people displaced.
"We have identified mass grave sites where the bodies of the deceased have been laid to rest, and we invite those interested to visit and witness the evidence firsthand. The impact of the attacks has resulted in the displacement of thirty thousand (30,000) internally displaced persons (IDPs) across several locations, including Mangu, Panyam, Mangu Halle, Yilpo (Sabon Gari) Fan in Barkin Ladi, Maikatako in Bokkos, Marish in Bokkos, Bukuru in Jos-South, and numerous areas within Jos North LGAs in Plateau State.
Furthermore, we would like to draw attention to the fact that our children, both in primary and secondary schools, as well as some students in tertiary institutions within the affected local governments, have been unable to attend their examinations. This includes the Junior NECO Exams scheduled for JSS 3 students, the ongoing Senior Secondary School Examinations, and various tertiary level examinations. These disruptions have occurred as a result of the forced displacement of our people, as mentioned by the president of the IDPs."
"We would like to express our gratitude to our fellow Plateau ethnic communities for their unwavering support towards our people during these challenging times. However, we are deeply disappointed and shocked by the lack of response from SEMA and NEMA, which were previously known for their prompt assistance during such emergencies. Their absence has been felt, and we urge SEMA to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities by promptly addressing the needs of the 30,000 displaced individuals scattered throughout the state.
Regrettably, we find the Military Special Taskforce, responsible for maintaining security in the state, to be falling short in adequately protecting the lives of our people. Therefore, we urge the federal government to dissolve all military checkpoints in the state and replace them with mobile police units to enhance operational efficiency."
"We demand the immediate return of our displaced people to their rightful ancestral land. The federal government must prioritize their welfare and security. In the interim, as we await the evacuation of the Fulani herders from our ancestral lands, we hold the leaders of the Fulani community accountable for any future attacks on our communities, as they are harboring the assailants," the group cautioned.
Despite attempts to reach out to the spokesperson for the Police Command in the state, Alabo Alfred, for comments on the recent attacks in the affected communities, our efforts proved unsuccessful as he did not respond to our calls.
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