By Andrew Ajijah
Five residence of Attakar village, a community in Plateau State were reportedly attacked and killed by gunmen believed to be Fulani herdsmen.
Though, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) of the Plateau state police command, DSP Mathias Tyopev could not confirm the incident at press time when contacted.
The police spokesperson said his office has not been alerted on the said attack, but pledged to report to the media should the information be made available to his office.
The incident occurred in Ganawuri District of Riyom Local Government Area of central Plateau State, early hours of Friday, an eyewitness said.
An eyewitness, a one time Councillor from the Attakar Ward, Anthony Ajimba Billi, confirmed the attack to news men, and said five persons fell prey to the attackers, and were killed.
“There was an attack on Thursday in our village at Attakar ward of Ganawuri District of Riyom Local Government Area at about 4:00am when people were still in their sleep. The attack was carried out by people we believe are Fulani herdsmen.
“They killed five persons, two are still missing and one survived gunshot wounds. The injured person is recuperating in the hospital. As we speak now, there are fears in the village, people are relocating to safer places.”
Similarly, reacting to the incident, the member representing Riyom Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Dantong, condemned the attack, said five persons were murdered by the attackers and two are till missing.
The Legislator called on the security operatives to set up a viable security checks in the remote villages to curtail persistent attacks on innocent citizens.
“I have been at the Headquarters of the Operation Safe Haven in Jos, discussing with the Commander on how more security will be mobilised and stationed permanently in the village.” The Lawmaker stated.
