Plateau attack: ‘How gunmen killed my pregnant sister inside labour room’

Daniel Nanle, a resident of Kawel community in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, has recounted how his younger sister was killed by gunmen while in labour at a primary healthcare centre during a deadly attack on Sunday night. Gunmen invaded the community while residents were asleep, killing 22 people, including […]

Daniel Nanle, a resident of Kawel community in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, has recounted how his younger sister was killed by gunmen while in labour at a primary healthcare centre during a deadly attack on Sunday night.

Gunmen invaded the community while residents were asleep, killing 22 people, including health workers, security personnel and patients receiving treatment at the health facility.

The attack occurred barely five days after the District Head of Gwande, Saf Samuel Alaket, was killed in an ambush along the Sha District axis bordering the Daffo community while returning from a traditional council meeting in Bokkos.

Speaking with Daily Trust on Tuesday during a condolence visit by Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo, the state’s deputy governor, Nanle said his pregnant sister, Larai Danjuma, had been rushed to the hospital after she went into labour.

He said shortly after she was admitted and taken to the labour ward for delivery, the attackers stormed the facility and opened fire, killing her alongside other patients and health workers.

“My immediate younger sister was married to Mr Danjuma Damial. She was taken to the hospital because she was due for delivery. Unfortunately, the attackers came and killed her,” he said.

Nanle added that the attackers also killed his sister’s husband, Danjuma Damial, and their son, Plangnan Danjuma, who were at the hospital at the time.

He, however, said their mother, who accompanied the pregnant woman to the facility, survived the attack.

He described the incident as gruesome and heartbreaking, calling on the federal, state and local governments to take urgent steps to prevent further attacks on innocent communities.

Perpetrators must face justice — Dep gov

Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo described the attack as senseless, tragic and unacceptable, saying those responsible for the killing must be arrested and prosecuted.

He said the killings were carried out without provocation and assured residents that the government would ensure that those behind the attack were brought to justice.

“This is very unfortunate and deeply painful. Innocent people were killed without provocation or any disagreement.

“We want to assure the people that the perpetrators must be brought to book and they will face justice,” he said.

He said the state government stood with the people of Kawel and the entire Mushere District in their moment of grief and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies as efforts were being intensified to restore peace and prevent further attacks.

The governor also conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for comfort, healing and strength for the affected community.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Monday, deployed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi, Dankombo Morris, alongside a tactical team, to Plateau State following the attack.

The IGP also approved the deployment of additional police personnel and operational assets, including Police Mobile Force operatives and tactical teams, to strengthen security in the affected communities.

During a visit to Bokkos on Tuesday, Morris assured residents that security agencies would intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.

“Those behind this cruel and inhumane attack will be identified, arrested and brought to justice. The additional deployment is intended to protect vulnerable communities and strengthen security across the area,” he said.

He urged community leaders, youth groups and residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing operations.