Dozen killed, houses burned in Plateau State

Renewed violence has erupted in four villages in the Bachit District of Riyom Local Government area of Plateau State as 12 persons were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen and many houses including that of late Senator Gyang Dantong burnt.

The midnight raids which took place Thursday also saw one security personnel attached to the Special Task Force, STF killed.

A villager who did not want to be named said the four villages were attacked simultaneously at about 1am and hundreds of people displaced.

However, Majority Leader and Member representing Riyom Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Daniel Dem who confirmed the attack said nine people were killed in a simultaneous attack carried out by Fulani herdsmen who also burnt houses including that of late Sen. Gyang Dantong.

Dem added that rumours had been ongoing since last week about impending attacks on the communities but no one believed them because of series of meetings which had been held and the fragile peace which residents were enjoying for sometime now.

He said normalcy was restored as a result of intervention of the operatives of the Special Task Force, but called for adequate security measures in the affected communities to enable the villagers continue with normal activities.

Hon. Dem also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the victims with relief materials to cushion the effect of the attack.

Meanwhile, Spokesman of the Special Task Force, STF Captain Iweha Ikedichi could not be reached for comments.

Viewed 1 times
Dozen killed, houses burned in Plateau State