Gunmen kill many in attack on Plateau mourners
Many persons are feared killed, with several others wounded, after gunmen attacked mourners during a mass burial in Nding Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Many persons are feared killed, with several others wounded, after gunmen attacked mourners during a mass burial in Nding Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims were said to have been attending the funeral of seven persons killed in an earlier attack on the community.
The incident, according to sources, occurred yesterday afternoon when villagers gathered to conduct the burial rites.
It was gathered that the assailants, who had been observing the ceremony from surrounding hills, suddenly descended on the community and opened fire on mourners as they were digging graves.
An eyewitness, Masara Kim, told our correspondent via telephone that about five communities experienced simultaneous attacks by the gunmen.
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He said the mourners had barely dug a shallow grave when the attackers struck, forcing them to hurriedly bury the bodies and flee for safety.
“There is a massive attack on communities south of Jos. More than five communities are under simultaneous assault. While we were at the burial site, the attackers emerged from the hills and began shooting.”
He added that a man was shot dead, noting that defenders, armed with hunting rifles and weapons, were overwhelmed by the attackers.
Kim said he narrowly escaped, adding that many residents fled the community as the gunmen advanced, while the casualty figure could not be ascertained due to the chaotic situation.
The Publicity Secretary, Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, described the situation as “terrible,” adding that efforts were underway to rescue persons trapped in the area.
Also, the Police Command has confirmed that gunmen killed five persons in Nding Susut community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, during a deadly attack on Tuesday.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Alfred Alabo, on behalf of Bassey Ewah, the Commissioner of Police(CP), said the assailants opened fire on residents who were seated in front of their houses, resulting in the deaths.
Three other victims, who sustained injuries, are receiving treatment at the General Hospital, where the bodies of the deceased have also been deposited, it added.
The Police said the victims included four women and a nine-year-old boy, while three injured females are receiving treatment at a hospital in the area.
The statement added that the CP condemned the attack, describing it as senseless, and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
It said Ewah also ordered the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to the area to prevent further violence.
The Command said it has started investigations and is working with other security agencies and community leaders to track down the perpetrators, while urging residents to remain calm and provide credible information to aid ongoing efforts to restore peace.
A member of the community, Weng Christopher, said the assailants stormed the area and opened fire on unsuspecting victims.
According to him, the family members were killed on the spot, while another resident was also killed during the attack.
Christopher lamented the increasing frequency of such incidents, describing the situation as disturbing for residents.
“This is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear,” he said.
Tengwong confirmed the killings and condemned the attack, calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.
He further said the gunmen also attempted to attack Rim community in Riyom Local Government Area but were repelled by vigilantes and personnel of Operation Rainbow, the state security outfit.
Tengwong described the attacks as one too many, urging authorities to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
