Worst hit is a family of 10 which lost nine members, with the head of the home as the only survivor.
Gyang Bere, Jos
Nine members of a family and a pregnant woman were among 16 persons killed in a renewed violent attack in Jos, Plateau state capital between Thursday night and Friday morning.
The victims were killed at Gravity Junction along Rukuba road within Jos North Local Government Area. Worst hit is a family of 10 which lost nine members, with the head of the home as the only survivor.
Saturday Sun gathered that while 13 persons were killed on Thursday night, three others were also shot dead on Friday morning when women and youths in the community came out in their numbers to protest the gory killing.
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As a result, the Plateau State Government has declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas. A press statement by the acting Secretary to the Government of the State, Richard Tokma, said the curfew is to restrict movement of persons in the affected area between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
“Sequel to security breach in some parts of Jos North, the Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has approved the imposition of a dusk- to-dawn curfew from 6 p.m.- 6 a.m. in Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas with immediate effect.
“However, while ensuring the safety of lives and property of the populace, citizens are advised to exercise restraint and remain calm, and report any suspicious movement to the law enforcement agents.”
Saturday Sun observed that movement of vehicles within the city centre was not smooth as individuals and motorists avoided areas considered as flash points.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Matthias Terna Tyopev who confirmed the attack said some people were killed as a result of the attack.
According to him, “On the 27/09/2018 being Thursday at about 2205hrs, the Plateau State Police Command Control Room in Jos received a distress call to the effect that there were sporadic gunshots at Rukuba Road opposite Kowa Hotel, Jos.
“The Command after receiving the report mobilised patrol teams immediately to the scene of crime. The unknown gunmen who took advantage of the ongoing rain in the area to attack residents were forced to run from the scene by the combined superior gunfire of the Police and the Operation Safe Haven (STF).
“Some people who reside close to the hills were rescued while some persons lost their lives as a result of the attack. Some others who sustained gunshot injuries were rushed to Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos and are currently receiving treatment.”
A stakeholder in the community, who gave his name as Enock Pagyel said the military and Fulani herdsmen visited the area two days before the killings in search of a missing person. He noted that the gunmen invaded the community at about 7 p.m. with guns, pestles and machetes, shooting sporadically and leaving 13 persons dead.
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“Two days before the attack, the military and Fulani herdsmen came to the area, claiming to look for a corpse of a missing Fulani boy. They left but with a promise to come back only for the community to witness heavy attack on Thursday night”, he stated.
Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, has condemned the attack, calling on residents to remain calm while he directed security agencies to fish our the perpetrators.
Lalong, in a statement through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Yakubu Dati, described the attack as unfortunate and condoled the bereaved families.
“The attention of the Plateau State Government has been drawn to an attack along Rukuba Road in the early hours of Friday morning. The unfortunate action is generating tension in Jos the state capital”, he added.
He assured that security agencies are on top of the situation and advised citizens to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of molestation or intimidation.