A group of unidentified gunmen has attacked Kwatas village of Bokkos local government in Plateau state killing at least 14 persons.
The attack was carried out at about 8:30 last Sunday when the villagers were resting in their homes after the dinner meals.
The attack came few weeks after the invasion of Kulben village of Mangu local government in which 12 people were killed.
The sin of residents of Kwatas village that led to the attack was because the vigilante group were said to have aided the arrest of seven suspects who participated in the Kulben attack.
Eye witness, Bukus Dogo said he counted 10 dead bodies when the attackers left, many were wounded and several others were missing.
The Nation reports that residents of Kwatas recieved information and threats of possible attack from unidentified Fulani group. A situation that necessitated series of security meetings at the instance of the Chairman of Bokkos Local Government, Mr. Yusuf Machen.
The council chairman held the last security meeting Thursday with arrangement to hold another meeting this week.
Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong received news of the attack in shock and disbelief coming as the second attack on villagers in the new year.
A statement signed by Simon Makut the director if press to Lalong indicated that Lalong is furious over the attack. The statement reads: Gov. Simon Bako Lalong has expressed fury over Sunday’s attack by yet to be identified gunmen on innocent people in Kwatas village, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State leading to deaths.
“Lalong described the attack as yet another attempt by criminals who do not mean well for the State to take it back to the dark days of insecurity that it has substantially overcome.
“The Governor while commiserating with victims and families of those killed, directed security agencies to go after the perpetrators of this heinous crime and ensure their arrest and prosecution as the State will no longer tolerate the wanton loss of lives.
‘He said “my heart again bleeds by this tragedy as lives of innocent citizens are cut short for no reason. Security agencies must go after those who are behind these attacks and their sponsors so they can face the law and be taught a lesson. We do not need another circle of bloodshed in Plateau State as all well meaning citizens have committed to peaceful coexistence and tolerance. My administration will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed to jeopardize this peace”.
The Governor again restates his determination to work with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders in strengthening community policing architecture in the State with robust intelligence gathering and early intervention to forestall reoccurrences.
He again called for calm as the government and security agencies will ensure that justice is done to those affected.
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