Couple, 5 Others Killed In Fresh Plateau Attacks

A couple and three other persons have been killed by gunmen in an attack in Kerang community, Mangu local government area of Plateau State.

The attack occurred despite a 24-hour curfew imposed on the council following recent similar attacks by gunmen which claimed several lives in the neighbouring communities.

A resident of Kerang community, Joseph Kabir, who confirmed the latest attacks to journalists yesterday, said among those killed were a man and his wife.

He added that the community had organised a burial for the deceased.

“I can confirm to you that five people, including a man and his wife, were killed by terrorists between 5:00 and 8:00 pm on June 26, 2023 in Sohon Kerang community of Kerang district in Mangu local government area,” Kabir said.

“We thought that with the declaration of curfew by the government, security agents would be able to stop the terrorists from killing innocent residents.

“But the gunmen came to the community, which is behind the SWAN Water Company Ltd, located at Kerang community by 5:00 pm, firing gunshots which led to the killing of the victims.

“They escaped into the bush after carrying out their evil acts. It was this morning that the corpses of the victims were discovered by residents who have been thrown into mourning. The victims were given mass burial this morning 27 June, 2023.”

The spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was yet to make a public statement regarding the incident as at the time of filing this report.

Another report said two persons were killed while three others were injured when suspected militiamen invaded Fass and Wereng Camp in Riyom LGA of the state.

A statement issued in Jos by Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri of the Emancipation Centre for Crisis Victims in Nigeria-ECCV said the militiamen were seen grazing in Wareng brandishing sophisticated weapons while laying ambush to kill anyone on sight.

According to him, the incident occurred at about 4:43pm when the armed herders came out with their cattle for grazing and forced their way into Wereng-Camp.

“We became very apprehensive of another armed attack, which lasted for almost an hour before another group went and attacked Wereng Community at about 7:00pm, resulting to the killing of Chuwang Boyi, Amos Dung, while Mr. Yohanna Pam and one other person were injured in the process,” he said.

Meanwhile, in another development unknown gunmen have ambushed and attacked Mr Bulus Bakwet of Tahoss community of Riyom LGA which left him in a coma and had been rushed to Vom Christian Hospital for medical attention.