July 30, (THEWILL) – A member of the Izang family, Mr John Itse Izang, who is currently taking refuge in Ukraine, has appealed to the international community and President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing killings in some communities in Plateau State.
He alleged that terrorist herders have targeted seventeen communities, especially in Barkin Ladi, and Bokkos local government areas, to perpetuate their evil acts in which his family members have been killed.
“This inhumane act has been ongoing for ages in Plateau State, which is supposed to be a state of peace and harmony.
“When you walk through some of the villages, you will see blood on the streets, smoke in the sky with no hope in the eyes, orphans, caskets, and mass burials are the order of the day”, he alleged.
He posited that the events in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and other parts of Plateau State from December 24 to 27, 2023, are things people in the community won’t forget quickly.
“It is so sad how kids affected by this killing tragedy survive. We need foreign intervention for survival.”
An eyewitness from Barkin Ladi local government area, who does not want his name in print, stated that John Itse Izang, who had fled the community, testified against those terror groups in 2021 when he saw their camps in a forest during his journey.
“Someone helped him move to Ukraine. However, up till now, we have not heard from him in the wake of the Ukraine war. John’s parents were killed by herders during the 2028 attacks.”
Our informant continued that Mr John, Faith, and Miracle had dropped out of school following their father’s death, lost their home and livelihood, and were taking refuge at the COCIN church for survival.
“Their brother, Timothy, who resides in Jos, the state capital, fell victim to the attack when he went for a Christmas break in the village. The assailants are still looking for John and others related to him.”
A man, who gave his name as Pwajak Mang, disclosed that upon assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu instructed security agencies to end the carnage and bring culprits to justice, but to no avail, while relief materials were provided to victims.
Mr Mang, who decried the lack of concrete steps by the government in tackling insecurity in the area, said Plateau State Governor, Caled Mutfwang, had condemned the violence, describing it as barbaric, brutal, and unjustified.
