TheCable

Gunmen have reportedly killed at least 10 residents in two villages under Bokkos and Mangu LGAs in Plateau state.

The gunmen were said to have invaded Mandar Shar and Kopnanle villages in the two LGAs on Friday.

Several villagers were injured while the attackers destroyed many properties.

In a statement on Saturday, Farmasum Fuddang, chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC), alleged that some of the casualties were inflicted by soldiers.

Fuddang alleged that soldiers killed four vigilantes when they intervened during the attacks.

He added that the council had previously raised an alarm over the “victimisation and wrongful labelling” of their community by security agencies.

“We are deeply saddened by the devastating attack that occurred last night April 12, resulting in the loss of ten members of our community,” the statement reads.

“Of great concern is the alarming revelation that some of the casualties were inflicted by the very soldiers entrusted with protecting our people.

“Reports indicate that despite the presence of security forces, including soldiers, the attacks were not halted, and in some instances, exacerbated by their actions.

“Eyewitness testimonies recount a distressing scenario where civilian defenders, outnumbered and outgunned, valiantly attempted to repel the assailants.

“Tragically, soldiers intervened, not to assist the defence efforts, but to inflict further harm, resulting in the deaths of at least four volunteers.

“These brazen attacks, occurring in proximity to military installations, raise grave concerns of collusion and complicity.”

MUTFWANG CONDEMNS ATTACKS

Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, has condemned the killing, describing the attacks as “unacceptable and unfortunate”.

In a statement by Gyang Bere, the chief press secretary to the governor, Mutfwang said the state government is working to restore peace and security in the affected communities.

He said the government will facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.

He also asked security agencies to redouble their efforts towards achieving the mandate of protecting lives and properties of the people.

“Governor Mutfwang warned perpetrators of these dastardly acts to desist forthwith as government is determined to fish them out to face justice,” the statement reads.

“He expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and the affected communities and prayed for quick healing of those who sustained gunshot injuries.”