August 10, (THEWILL) – At least 20 people, including women and children, have been confirmed killed and others injured in separate attacks on Batin and Rayogot villages, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
Residents said the attackers invaded the communities at about 1:40am on Thursday.
According to John Mark Pam, who lost five relatives, including his brother Dung Mark, his wife and three children, the attackers invaded the compound, set the building ablaze and killed all members of the family in their sleep.
National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youths Moulders (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, said at least 20 people were killed.
Spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security taskforce maintaining peace in the State, Captain Ola James, confirmed the incident.
According to him, prior to the attacks, a warning was sent out, which the Commandant responded swiftly and immediately deployed troops at the entrance through Jos and Barkin Ladi LGA.
He explained that unfortunately, the attackers took another route, stressing that it was a guerrilla attack such that it was silent until when the troops heard gunshots and rushed to the scene.
“There was an early warning signal that some bandits could launch attacks in the area, which prompted the operation to mount checkpoints in the area but the bandits followed another route, and attacked the community. We have deployed our men to restore law and order in the area,” he said.
Spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, who also confirmed the incident, said security has been reinforced with personnel on the trail of the attackers.
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