Gunmen kill traditional ruler in Plateau, 3 in Benue, 1 in Nasarawa, 2 soldiers in Abia
Gunmen on Tuesday killed the acting Gwom Rwei of Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Da Bulus Chuwang Jang. The spokesman of the State Police Command, DSP Ubah Gabriel, confirmed the development to our correspondent, adding that the deceased was killed in a midnight attack on Monday. Gunmen kill one, […]
Gunmen on Tuesday killed the acting Gwom Rwei of Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Da Bulus Chuwang Jang.
The spokesman of the State Police Command, DSP Ubah Gabriel, confirmed the development to our correspondent, adding that the deceased was killed in a midnight attack on Monday.
Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council Hon. Jock Alamba, who also confirmed the killing of the traditional ruler, condemned the attack.
The police, however, called on residents of the area to remain calm as the commissioner of police had deployed police to the affected area, adding that effort was on to track the killers.
3 Killed in Benue Village
Meanwhile, Gunmen have also killed at least three persons in Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area in Benue State.
Daily Trust gathered that the incident occurred about 5:00 am on Sunday while the villagers were asleep in their homes.
Locals claimed that the three victims were massacred by the gunmen who fired gunshots sporadically after laying siege on the community and luring them to leave their houses with frightening firepower.
Chairman of Guma LGA, Caleb Aba corroborated the position, saying that three people were killed by the gunmen in an early morning attack on the rural community.
Aba explained that the gunmen surrounded the village at 5:00 am on Sunday and started shooting, while they knocked on some peoples’ doors and macheted them the moment they showed up.
The chairman, however, added that calm has been restored to the environment as troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have taken over security of the community.
Herders not Involved in Killings- Miyetti Allah
However, the State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Mohammed, has denied knowledge of any attack by herders in parts of the state.
Contacted, the Police Spokesperson in the state, Catherine Anene, confirmed the killing of two people in an attack, adding that the command was yet to establish the identity of the gunmen.
“The attack was recorded on Sunday. Two persons died and five injured,” Anene replied in a text message to our correspondent.
1 Killed, 10 Abducted in Nasarawa
In another development, Gunmen have stormed Kana town in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, killed 1 person, abducted 10, and injured several others.
Chairman of the local government area, Mohammed Sani Ottos, said, “It is confirmed that some gunmen stormed the town of Kana on Monday night, well-armed, and scared the people after they fired several gunshots.
“I wholeheartedly condemn the act; I have just physically visited the town to sympathise with the families of the slain victims, those abducted and those injured.
“I commend the Guards Brigade 177 Battalion, Keffi, who accompanied me to further boost the villagers’ confidence and pledged to do all within their power for a safe return of the captives,” the chairman said.
He further said that the gunmen came from the Kana hill and retreated through the same route, adding that the hill stretched from Kana to Maraba Udege, Onda, Agwada, Nasarawa Eggon to Wamba towns and beyond, extending to other states. A witness said that a pregnant woman was among those kidnapped, saying that their whereabouts remain unknown; hence the need for government to continue to provide maximum security for lives and property.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ramhan Nansel, said evidence was still being gathered pertaining to the incident.
2 Soldiers, Police Inspector Killed in Abia
In Abia State, reports have it that two soldiers attached to 14 Brigade headquarters, Ohafia were shot dead on Sunday at Owaza in Ukwa West council area of Abia State.
A police inspector was also reportedly killed when a large number of armed men attacked a checkpoint in Aba, the state’s commercial nerve.
While the rifles of the killed soldiers were reportedly taken away by the killers, it was said that two of the attackers were killed. Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna confirmed the attack on the policemen, adding that a suspect has been arrested.
Abia State Information Commissioner, John Okiyi said the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has directed security in the state to ensure that those who carried out the attacks are caught and the stolen rifles recovered.