Our Reporter
At least 27 people, including both men and women, have been confirmed dead following a violent attack by gunmen in Bindi-Jebbu, located in the Tahoss community of Riyom Local Government Area in Plateau State.
The assault, which took place on Monday, left numerous others injured, some critically. Victims have been rushed to several hospitals, including Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Hospital, for treatment.
Local authorities, including the chairman of Riyom Local Government Area, Bature Shuwa, have acknowledged the attack but could not confirm the exact number of casualties at the time of reporting. Shuwa stated he was en route to the affected community when contacted.
The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Dalyop Solomon, also confirmed the attack. According to Solomon, the gunmen, suspected to be members of the Fulani ethnic group, stormed the village, opening fire indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.
“27 persons were killed, and many others sustained injuries. The bodies have been transported to different hospitals, with a date for their burial to be announced soon,” Solomon stated.
In the aftermath of the attack, security agencies, including Operation Safe Haven and the Plateau State Police Command, have yet to provide any official statements. Efforts to reach Major Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, and DSP Alabo Alfred, the Plateau police command spokesperson, were unsuccessful, as neither responded to text messages at the time of reporting.
The attack has raised renewed concerns about the worsening security situation in Plateau State, where similar incidents have been reported in recent months. Local leaders and residents have voiced increasing alarm, calling for enhanced security measures to safeguard communities.
In response to escalating insecurity, the Plateau State government last week recruited 150 new agro-rangers as part of its strategy to address the ongoing security challenges. However, the effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain, with residents urging for swift and decisive action to protect their lives and property.