TheCable

At least 26 persons have been killed and over 80 homes (including that of late Senator Gyang Dangtong) razed in Riyom local government area of Plateau state in the past one week, national caretaker chairman of Berom Youth Movement (BYM), Rwang Dangtong, said on Friday.

Dantong strongly condemned the persistent and systematic attacks on Berom communities by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, describing the attacks as a declaration of war.

“These consistent attacks have been on a daily basis from Thursday October 2, and the various attacks have been launched on  Lwa, Shonong, Fang, Dum Chengy, Rakweng, Diyan Rachi and Sharubutu villages of Bachi district of the  LGA,” he said.

“Over 60 homes were burnt down last Tuesday and a few days later, 20 homes were burnt down in Lwa village, including a COCIN pastorium and church.”

Dangtong further lamented that a pregnant woman in Lwa and an intended bride whose wedding was scheduled to take place on Saturday were among those killed in the past few days.

“It is quite worrisome that the insurgents have been identified as the Fulani herdsmen that are living within our communities. They launch the attacks and get back to their huts unharmed and are comfortably living in safety,” he said.

“The heavy fire arms, which the terrorists use to unleash terror and havoc on our people, go to show that there is a well coordinated plan to eliminate the entire district.

“Government and all relevant stakeholders should immediately come to the rescue of our people. We are calling on members of the Special Task Force  (STF) posted to restore law and order to keep vigil in the district to fish out the perpetrators of these acts.”

While commending the chairman of Riyom, Josephine Piyo, for constantly mobilising security operatives who always come to the aid of the people, he urged all stakeholders to join hands with government in fighting terrorist acts within the community.