Bandits kill 16 in Plateau, disrupt Yuletide festivities in Taraba
By Jennifer S. Kuwanta
No fewer than 16 people have been killed at Lisham Kwahasnat community in Mangu Local Council of Plateau State.
The latest incident, which occurred, yesterday, was linked to Fulani militia who had been invading the council without justification.
In recent times, the area has been a killing field for suspected Fulani militia. Last Monday night, a man was killed in an attack by suspected Fulani militia.
Earlier, no fewer than 30 natives in Mangu had been slaughtered to death by the same suspected Fulani militia. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Plateau, DSP Alfred Alabo, could not be reached to confirm the incident, as his phone was switched off.
However, a senior police officer, who spoke to The Guardian on anonymity, confirmed the killings.
Meanwhile, despite assurances by the government of a peaceful Yuletide, armed bandits and kidnappers have been terrorising residents of Taraba State.
Yesterday, in Yorro Local Council, bandits abducted the former vice chairman, Ishaya Dila, and a local businessman.
Despite Governor Agbu Kefas’ assurances through his Special Adviser, Emmanuel Bello, and statements by the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, regarding robust security measures, the reality on the ground remains grim.
Eribo had, through the command’s spokesperson, Usman Abdullahi, assured Tarabans of adequate security arrangements before, during and after the Yuletide.
The command even went ahead to announce that the CP ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to deploy their personnel and operational assets in all worship centres.
Despite these assurances, the people of the state could not walk the streets freely or go to bed at peace.
The abduction of prominent figures followed a recent surge in banditry, raising concerns about the safety of residents and travellers.
Residents have expressed distress over the escalating banditry in Yorro, attributing it to the challenging environment created by criminals lurking in the surrounding mountains.
They pleaded with the government to collaborate with security agencies urgently to address the issue, which is disrupting business activities.
Command’s spokesman, Usman Abdullahi, confirmed the abductions and assured the public that the police were tirelessly working to rescue all victims.