In the past two years, Plateau State has been enjoying relative peace especially in Jos the State capital and the neighboring local government areas before the prevailing peace was ruptured on Friday.
Tribune Online learnt that prior to the latest attack; there had been tension in the area as a result of misunderstanding between the natives and the Fulani residing in the community which led to the death of Fulani boy.
It was gathered that the natives had earlier promised to investigate the incident with the aim of bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book but before the investigation could be completed gunmen suspected to be herdsmen attacked nearby Ancha village.
An eye witness account disclosed that in what look like reprisal attack, the gunmen invaded the village at about 1:00 am when the most of the inhabitants of the village had gone to bed, they were attacked at random in their sleeps, killing 20 people while 10 others mostly women were injured.
The source stated that the attack lasted for about an hour without any resistance from both the natives and security men before the gunmen disappeared through a nearby hills. Those who sustained injuries were later in the morning taken to the nearby Eno Hospital in Miango for treatment.
President Irikwe Development Association, Hon Sunday Abdul who confirmed that 20 people were killed in the early morning raid said the attack was a rude shock to the people of the community adding that the Irikwe people who are the native had earlier condemned the brutal killing of a Fulani boy and the culprits arrested.
Said: “Precisely last week a Fulani boy was killed in what look like cultic attack, the Irikwe community strongly condemned the attack and some of the culprits were arrested. This was further followed by a meeting with the security agency involving the Fulani, the natives for reconciliation. Every representative in attendance gave an assurance to go back and promote peace.”
“But to our greatest surprise, some group of Fulani men swooped on Ancha village and killed 20 people at a go, this is one too many. Assuming it was reprisal attack, do you kill twenty for one, we are highly surprise by the attack, it was a shock” he said.
Addressing newsmen on the ugly incident, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Peter Ogunyanwo who confirmed the attack a press conference in Jos said 19 were killed in the unfortunate incident while five others sustained injuries and now receiving treatment at Eno Hospital in Miango.
According to him, eleven expanded shells of 7.6mm ammunition and one live ammunition were recovered from the scene of the crime when the command led by him visited the scene of the incident.
He however stated that investigation into the killings has started while a detachment of police mobile force as well operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department and State Intelligent Bureau are now on ground in the area.
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