Plateau: Mushere Communities Count Losses As Death Toll Rises To 12

The death toll as a result of the attack by suspected herdsmen in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos local government area of Plateau State has risen to 12.

It was gathered that nine communities were affected by the attacks. They include Minjing, Kaban, Nawa, Jyemuut, Kwakas, Mbor, Kopmur, Margif, and Horop .

Many people have been displaced, while lack of access to basic necessities, such as food, water, shelter, healthcare services, sanitation and hygiene, overcrowding among many others has bedevilled the displaced persons.

Consequently, the IDPs in Mushere communities are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, and other essential services.

LEADERSHIP reports that communities and victims are also counting their losses with over 60 percent of the people, especially women and children having fled to neighbouring boundary villages of Ron, Mangu, Quaanpan Chakfem, and Nasarawa State respectively.

According to a reliable source who did not want his name mentioned suspected Fulani herders carried out the attacks, resulting in significant destruction of lives and property in the process.

Also speaking to our correspondent, the RCC chairman of Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Kefas Datukun, said death toll has risen to 12 while 89 houses were burnt down.

According to him, 40 in Mbor, 14 in Ninah, and 35 in Nawaladi totalling 89; adding that the cost of the damage is yet to be calculated.

Similarly, the traditional ruler, Miskhakam Margif HRH Anthony Milek, who was shot by the bandits, narrated his ordeal, saying that the attackers penetrated Margif, setting houses ablaze, and shot him in the process.

He pointed out that in Margif alone, nine houses of an extended family settlement were burnt down, affecting almost 100 families.

He stressed that the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp is in dire need of urgent assistance. All the houses belonging to Mushere people in Bokkos town are filled by refugees who fled from various villages under attack.

According to the RCC chairman of Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Kefas Datukun, IDPs’ camp has been set up at the RCC headquarters in Ikngwakap, housing over 200 IDPs, mostly women and children.

He also disclosed that bullet-wounded persons are being treated in clinics in Jos, including Stephen Danladi Kopmur, 40, from Jyemuut in Mushere, Nandyen Pankyes, 14, shot, and Mrs. Mimang Lekyil, wife of the slain Reverend Mimang.

According to him, the entire communities are traumatised, with the people moving about in fear.