Once more, tragedy has struck as suspected herdsmen have killed 14 people in a Plateau village. This latest attack highlights the persistent violence affecting local communities, igniting urgent discussions about safety and protection measures.
A community group, the Bokkos Cultural Development Forum (BCDF) Vanguard which has confirmed the killings revealed that the victims were ambushed in the attack.
A statement jointly signed by the chairman of the Forum, Barr. Farmasum Fuddang and its Secretary, Amb. Duwam Bosco Secretary, said the scene of the violence has been the site of repeated assaults, resulting in nearly 100 fatalities, including over 60 deaths during the brutal Christmas Eve attack two years ago.
“As of two hours ago, residents have reported sightings large crowds of armed terrorists marching in the direction of the affected villages, with the military confirming ongoing shootout with the terrorists,” they said.
According to the statement, the latest attack, followed an earlier incident two days earlier that resulted in the death of a young man in the same vicinity.
The BCDF Vanguard further said the victims were returning from the weekly market in Bokkos town when their vehicle was ambushed.
The statement said the victims comprised women and little babies.
“This violence occured despite various so-called peace and reconciliation efforts by those who deny the realities of genocide and benefit from the distortion of the issues at hand,” the forum said.
They maintained that the attack, along with ongoing burning of villages and takeovers in the Mushere area was orchestrated by terrorists.
“Their goal is to take control of the entire local government area, which is recognised as the potato headquarters of Nigeria. This is part of an initial step towards seizing the entire state, with over 150 native villages across central and northern Plateau, so far forcibly occupied.
“We unequivocally state that this attack serves as a stark reminder that our adversaries remain active and relentless. We are fully aware of our constitutional rights and will utilise them to the fullest,” they said.
In the same vein, another group, the Berom Youths Moulder Association (BYM) has said recent killings in Bindi/Jebbu Village in Riyom local government area of the state has created a humanitarian disaster as no fewer than 2, 447 persons were displaced.
It will be recalled that 27 persons were killed while houses and foodstuffs worth millions of naira were burnt, when persons suspected to be Fulani herdsmen attacked the village on July 14.
The President of the association, Barr. Dalyop Mwantiri made the disclosure at a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Mwantiri said the community lost property worth millions of naira.
Reading from the text of the briefing titled, “Compromise and Complacency in Another Massacre in Bindi/jebbu Village of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State,’ co-signed by Secretary General of Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Bature Iliya Adazaram, the youths alleged that the recent attack was carefully planned and coordinated.