•10 killed in fresh attack • Gov Mutfwang laments, urges action against attackers
From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
No fewer than ten people were allegedly killed on Friday night in Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle villages in Bokkos local council in an attack said to have been carried out by suspected Fulani herders.
The latest incident came after the Christmas Eve massacre of more than 200 people in three local government areas of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu on December 24, 2023.
The attack drew condemnation from the State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who described it as unfortunate and unacceptable.”
Mutfwang, in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs Gyang Bere, regretted that the incident was coming “especially now that the government is diligently working to restore peace and security, and facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.”
Mutfwang warned perpetrators of the dastardly acts to desist forthwith as government is determined to fish them out to face justice.
The governor appreciated the intervention of security agencies in the protection of lives and property in the state and urged them to redouble their efforts at discharging their constitutional responsibility of protecting innocent communities.
He expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and the affected communities and prayed for quick healing of those who sustained gunshot injuries.
The governor called on community stakeholders across the state to activate dispute-resolution mechanisms in tackling issues of disagreement and report without delay, early warning signs to the constituted authorities for prompt intervention.”
Mutfwang also urged vigilance and fostering of inter-community relations by residents of the state, particularly now that the rainy season is gearing up to ensure a safer and successful farming period.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, BCDC Vanguard, Farmasum Fuddang, said a statement that the attack came hours after the Department of State Security (DSS) labeled the people, accusing them of planning attack on Fulani people.
He said the attack was perpetrated despite the presence of security operatives.
In the statement entitled “The return of terror in Bokkos just hours after the mischievous labeling of our people by DSS,” and signed by Fuddang, the people said: “Last night, April 12, our community in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State faced a horrific attack resulting in the senseless slaughter of at least ten of our members.
“Despite the presence of security forces, including the DSS, army, and police, the perpetrators, identified as Fulani terrorists, were allowed to carry out their heinous acts with impunity.
“Under the cover of darkness, more than 50 armed terrorists descended upon the villages of Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle, targeting innocent, unarmed, and peaceful residents as they slept. The assailants set fire to homes and a place of worship, mercilessly gunning down fleeing civilians while nearby soldiers failed to intervene effectively.
“This brazen attack, which predominantly targeted children, appeared to be part of a calculated effort to instill fear and perpetrate further displacement within our communities. We condemn this act of terror which we believe is aligned with a broader agenda to impose Sharia law and seize control of our lands.
“Just hours before this tragedy unfolded, BCDC Vanguard submitted a petition to the Department of State Services (DSS), challenging a leaked memo that falsely accused our people of planning violence against Fulani residents. We unequivocally stated that the intelligence behind the memo was fabricated and defamatory.
“Despite our efforts to rectify these falsehoods, the security apparatus failed to protect our community from the very threats we highlighted. We are appalled by the apparent prioritisation of the lives of Fulani residents over our own and demand answers from the authorities.
“The timing of this attack, following closely on the heels of the DSS’s erroneous warning of an impending assault on Fulani communities, raises serious concerns about collusion or deliberate neglect. We refuse to accept such injustice and demand immediate transparency and accountability.
“This is more so that advance notices of attack in the area were published and circulated at least a week prior to the so-called DSS intelligence. The DSS ignored these warnings and instead chose to implicate the victims despite acknowledging in their memo that the Fulani were responsible for the six-day attack that claimed over 300 of our members last Christmas.
“We wish to put on record that the DSS alert is synonymous with the age-long strategy of the Fulani terrorists who often raise false alarms to intimidate residents and/or justify planned attacks. And unless the DSS clears its name on this, we reckon that it is complicit and compromised.”
The people vowed to drag DSS to court, saying: “Should the authorities fail to provide satisfactory explanations within the shortest possible time, we are prepared to pursue legal recourse. Enough is enough – we will not allow our people to be targeted and vilified while those responsible for our safety turn a blind eye.”