Security
Fulani herdsmen killed 14, injured 7 in fresh Plateau attack [Photo]
At least 14 persons have been confirmed killed and 7 injured in fresh attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Sunday night at kushe village in Kuru District of Jos South Local Government and Zogu Village of Basa Local Government of Plateau State.
CAPITAL POST gathered that the killing took place at about 9:3pm when suspected Fulani herdsmen storm the two communities on Sunday night and shot 14 persons.
The suspected Fulani herdsmen killed 12 persons and five injured in Kushe village of kuru District of Jos South Local Government and later invaded the neighboring Zogu village of Bassa Local government and killed two persons while left two injured
Among 14 casualties include three women 11 men while seven persons survived the attack with gunshots injuries.
It was learned that most of the victims were taken unaware as many were returning home while some were in their sleep.
The Senator representing Plateau North in the National Assembly and Deputy Chairman Senate Committee on Defense Sen. Istifanus Gyang condemned the attack and lamented the continued killing, saying despite all efforts to make residents live in peace, some enemies of the zone are still bent of causing mayhem.
Gyang insisted that security agencies must always be proactive and decisive in confronting insecurity since citizens have handed over that responsibility to both government and security as the dereliction of such duties would amount to more agitation.
He stressed, “We must avoid the situation of state capture by a few, if not we will continue to have agitations. How can people be for Nigeria when Nigeria does not care for them?”
Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos wept when he sighted the corpses littered the community.
“We are tired over the continued killings in my constituency without any help, government must rise up to its responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“I therefore, urge my people to defend themselves because government has failed in their responsibility of defending the people.
“This is why we have been clamouring for state police, because with such arrangements, insecurity will drastically reduce.
“I don’t know if government is waiting for this to happen to public figures before it beefs up security in our communities.’’
Bagos who is also the Deputy Chairman of House Committee on Anti corruption called on security agencies to intensify efforts at safeguarding the lives and property of the people.
He also called on the people to be patient and be law-abiding, and not to embark on reprisal attacks.
“I am pleading with the people to be patient and be law-abiding.
“We will continue to emphasise the need for restructuring of the security architecture that will address our current national security challenges.
The Traditional Ruler of Kuru, Gwom Rwei His Royal Highness Da Patrick Mandung who confirmed the incident said it occurred on Sunday night.
He said the killers who invaded the community moved from house to house shooting at the people.
Mandung, who described the incident as unfortunate, called on governments and security agencies to intensify efforts at securing the people.
“This is a very unfortunate situation; that 12 persons were murdered in cold blood for no reason.This is sad and disheartening; I condemn it in totality.
“I call on government to be intentional and proactive in ensuring the safety of citizens.
“Security agencies must fish out the killers of my people and do all within their constitutional powers to put an end to this cycle of killings,’’ he said.
The Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, Hon. Gideon Davou who was also at the scene, appealed to the people to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands.
He said government would do everything within its reach to ensure the safety of lives and property of the people at all times.
When contacted, police spokesman in Plateau, ASP Ubah Ogaba, confirmed the incident.
“More security personnel have been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks on the Community and investigation into the crime is ongoing.”
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abubakar Zubairu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fostering community-driven security solutions.
He stated this while addressing a cross-section of Stakeholders at the Okene engagement programme and further re-echoing the call for community participation in security efforts, noting that manpower limitations and resource constraints necessitate an inclusive Policing approach.
He commended the Commissioner for his proactive leadership and stressed that “security is everybody’s business, and together, we can ensure stability and peace.”
In his remarks, CP Dantawaye reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to fostering the implementation of Community Policing project as a key approach for effective Policing.
He emphasised the importance of synergy between Law enforcement Agencies, Traditional Institutions, Local Communities, as well as other Security stakeholders in combating crime, particularly kidnapping and other security threats.
He further commended the unwavering dedication among various security formations, including the NSCDC, Local Vigilante, Hunters, as well as NYSC members.
He urged the community members to play an active role in intelligence gathering, stating that, Policing cannot be done by the men on uniform alone. We need every citizen to be our eyes and ears to ensure a safe society.
He cautioned the officers on discipline, professionalism as well as respect for Human rights. He disclosed that Police Officers are undergoing continuous training to improve the operational capacity and to also equip them with the needed skills for investigation.
The event witnessed the presence of respected traditional rulers, local government representatives, transport unions, and various ethnic and community groups, all of whom pledged their commitment to strengthening security collaboration.
As part of ongoing efforts to curb crime, the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State will intensify intelligence-based operations, enhance police-community relations, and continue engaging stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
Lt. Cynthia Akor, a Navy officer attached to Defence Headquarters in Abuja and two others have been abducted with their abductors demanding for N100 million ransome for their release.
The officer and others were reportedly kidnapped from their residences in the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday night and by Saturday their abductors called their families and demanded for N100 million ransom for the victims to be freed.
Our correspondent learnt on Saturday that their abductors have gotten in touch over ransom.
A source said: “Anong the three people that were kidnapped on Friday night in the Mpape area is a DHQ official, Akor.
“The kidnappers have already reached out to their families and are demanding N100m ransom,” the source said.
Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, were unsuccessful, as they had yet to respond to messages as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, said she would confirm the incident and provide further details.
“I will confirm and get back to you shortly,” she simply stated.
She has not reverted as of the time of filing this report.
The Security Adviser to Kogi State governor, Commodore Jerry Omodara (retd) has said security operatives are on the trail of abductors of 18 passengers on a bus belonging to the ABC Transport.
The passengers were kidnapped on Sunday.
Mr Omodara disclosed this on Thursday in Lokoja.
The bus, reportedly heading to Abuja on Sunday, March 16, from the South-East was reportedly hijacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Oloma in the Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi, a border town between the state and Enugu State.
Reliable sources said that all the bus passengers including the driver were abducted by the gunmen.
However, Mr Omodara, who confirmed the incident, said that a combined team of security operatives had launched a manhunt for the abductors.
He said the operatives in Kogi State, including the military, police, SSS, NSCDC and vigilante groups were in synergy to rescue the victims.
He stated, “Just on Wednesday, all the security heads met twice to see that we get the kidnappers and rescue the victims.’’
According to him, this kind of synergy and cooperation from residents provide security agents useful information that helps them to succeed.
He said that Kogi State had recorded a drastic drop in kidnapping incidents and crimes due to synergy and cooperation from residents.
The state security adviser said though they might not be able to completely eradicate crime in the state, they were making efforts to tackle any that reared its ugly head.
He assured families of the abducted passengers that they would be released unhurt.
He added, “We want Kogi to be a haven for all residents and passers-by alike.”
(NAN)
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