At least 32 people were feared killed by suspected Fulani militia who invaded Bolgan, Karkashi and Magama villages in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State. LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that secondary school students who were presently writing their NECO examination and many others were feared killed.
Confirming the incident to LEADERSHIP in Jos on phone yesterday, the Management Committee Chairman of Langtang South Local Government Council, Mr Narman Darko said that 32 people were killed in the three villages after an invasion by Fulani militia group. He gave the break down as follows, Magama 23 people, Bolgan seven and two people were killed in between Magama and Karkishi and added that over 100 houses were also burnt down by the rampaging Fulani attackers.
According to him, he has informed the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis and they have moved in their men to prevent further destruction of lives and property in the area. He urged the people of the three villages to be security alert and report any suspicious movements to law enforcement agencies with a view to bringing the situation under control. The coordinator of Stephanus foundation, a Jos- based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mark Lipdo, confirmed that so many people were killed in the attack on the three villages and said that large number of people was still missing.
According to him, the attackers followed their victims on motorcycles as they tried to escape and shot them even as houses and vehicles were burnt in the three villages that have been deserted. A resident who did not want his name in print told our correspondent that the military did not respond fast enough to the report that a Fulani militia group was at Shikal ready to attack the three villages. Investigation further revealed that Bolgang village has been completely burnt down with nine people so far confirmed killed.
It was further learnt that deaths toll at Magama was mainly children and elderly. Church of Christ In Nigeria (COCIN) Langtang PCC Chairman, Rev Nandip Miri lost his aged father as well as brother among other relatives to the attackers. The senator representing Plateau Southern Zone in the National Assembly, Senator Victor Lar, appealed to the people to remain calm and report any suspicious movement to security agencies for necessary action.
However, effort to contact the Spokesman of the Special Task Force STF on Jos crisis, Captain Salisu Mustapher on phone could not yield any positive result as his mobile phone was switch off as at the time of filling these report. Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Plateau State Command, Felicia Anselm, DSP, when contacted by our correspondent said that she was yet to get full details of what happened.
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Source: Leadership
