April 29, (THEWILL) – At least two civilians and a soldier have been killed by gunmen who attacked Rikwe-Chongu village, Kwall District in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to locals, the gunmen also injured one person, razed houses, food barns and carted away foodstuff, animals and other valuable items.
The Media Officer, Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, Maj. Ishaku Takwa, who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Friday in Jos, said the incident occurred on Thursday night, adding that OPSH has deployed troops to the community.
”There was a night attack in the area on April 28; our troops deployed to the community repelled the attack and in the process OPSH lost a soldier. Two other civilians died as a result of the attack as well, he said.
He however said that efforts are on going to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has expressed outrage over an attack on the Senator representing Plateau South District, Prof. Nora Dadu’ut and some journalists on Thursday 28th April after the commissioning of an ICT HUB constructed by the Senator as part of her Constituency Project in Namu, Quan Pan Local Government Area.
The Governor in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, said the attack, was allegedly orchestrated by hoodlums who were angered by the arrest of a suspected wanted kidnap kingpin by security agencies, and “thus decided to vent their anger on passers by and any innocent person they encountered”.
“This led to the burning of one of the security vehicles of the Senator, the damage of her official vehicle as well as the complete burning down of the NUJ Press bus which conveyed members of the Union to cover the event.
“Governor Lalong while sympathising with the Senator and Members of the NUJ over the despicable act, directed security agencies to conduct thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that the culprits are fished out and brought to justice.
“Lalong who praised the quick response of security forces who reinforced to contain the situation, restore calm and take charge of the general area, vowed that criminal elements will not be allowed room to operate in any part of the State under his watch.
“He also commended the Chairman of Quan Pan Local Government for the imposition of a dusk to dawn curfew on Namu town to enable security agencies properly take charge of the situation to avoid further escalation and exploitation by crises merchants.
“The Governor appeals to law abiding citizens of the area and the entire State to be vigilant and also beware of the antics of criminals and their sponsors who are desperate in orchestrating trouble for selfish gains”, the statement partly read.
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