8 Killed in Plateau Attack as Gunmen Murder Traditional Ruler
At least eight people were killed and 10 others injured after gunmen attacked Gwon Ajang village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community at about 10 p.m. and opened fire on villagers who had gathered for a birthday celebration.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday. He said eight persons lost their lives, while more than 10 others sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
According to Tengwong, the latest attack has raised fresh concerns over the recurring violence in the area. He called on security agencies to take decisive steps to stop the attacks and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
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A resident, Bishop Iliya, said the victims were celebrating the birthday of a community member when the gunmen arrived and started shooting indiscriminately.
“The people were gathered for a birthday celebration when the gunmen arrived and started shooting at everything in sight. It is a painful and unfortunate situation for our community,” he said.
Security personnel were reportedly deployed to the area after the attack, while the injured victims were evacuated to nearby health facilities.
In a related development, the traditional ruler of Timshat in Langtang South Local Government Area, Godwin Vonga, was killed by unknown gunmen on Sunday along the Timshat Mabudi Road.
Vonga, who held the title of Magaji Timshat and was a former councillor representing Nasarawa Ward in Langtang South, was reportedly returning home after dropping his children at school in neighbouring Mabudi town when he was attacked.
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A resident, Nanbol Pirfa, said the monarch’s death had thrown Timshat and surrounding communities into mourning. He described the deceased as a respected leader and public servant.
The Chairman of Langtang South Local Government Area, Nanfa Alhassan Nbin, condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric, unfortunate and unacceptable.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Butko Bako Iliya, Nbin sympathised with the family of the deceased and the people of Timshat, assuring that those behind the crime would be brought to justice.
He also warned criminal elements operating within the local government area to abandon such activities or face the full weight of the law, while urging residents to provide useful information to security agencies to aid investigations.
