Another five killed in Plateau community

No fewer than five people were killed in a fresh attack by gunmen in the Mbar community of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard, signed by its Chairman, Barr. Farmasum Fuddang, and its Secretary, Amb. Duwam Bosco, the group reported that despite prior intelligence of suspected terrorists entering the area, the gunmen still launched an attack on the community.

The group stated that unarmed youths were attacked while traveling from Mbar town to Koh village along a bypass near Yelwa Nono village between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. by bandit terrorists on motorcycles. These terrorists had initially been repelled by the military from nearby mountains.

“By the time security forces were informed about the attack and arrived at the scene several minutes later, the terrorists had completed their mission and fled without being apprehended. This incident adds to a series of armed attacks in our villages, including the recent killing of 11 youths in Tarangol, Daffo, and Bargesh villages in September.

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“We perceive these unprovoked attacks as a calculated attempt to evict our people from their ancestral homes and take over the land. We request to be involved in addressing the threats to our land, working in synergy with security forces, as is the case with the civilian joint task force in the northeast and northwest regions.”

The group further requested the involvement of local community members in securing the areas, noting that this is imperative because the natives are familiar with the terrain, which could assist security agencies.

“This is not to undermine or downplay the efforts of the military. However, we recognize the logistical and manpower challenges they face, which necessitate the active participation of local community members who are familiar with the terrain and can provide valuable intelligence to identify and expose criminal elements in the communities.

“We believe this approach can help us find lasting solutions to these attacks, often carried out by mercenaries with extremist ideologies who are frequently heard chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ while slaughtering residents.”

The group also advised communities to avoid late movements, as recommended by security authorities, to minimize risk, and urged people to remain vigilant and defend themselves, given the clear inadequacy of government security forces.

However, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, could not be reached for confirmation at the time of filing this report.