Fresh attacks claim 10 lives, several homes in Plateau

No fewer than 10 people and several homes were yesterday lost to renewed attacks in parts of Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The incidents resulted from violent activities of some youths who felt cheated and wanted to take their pound of flesh.

It was gathered that the situation took a frightening dimension on Monday night till the early hours of yesterday when some people suspected to be fake soldiers in military uniform invaded Tina Junction, Dutse Uku of Jos North council area and opened fire at the residents, some of whom, were watching over their communities to ward off attacks.

Some of the residents told The Guardian that the invaders shot indiscriminately at people and set homes ablaze at random, adding that the criminal elements held the communities hostage for about two hours before help could allegedly come from security agencies.

It was further gathered that the situation degenerated yesterday when some Hausa/Fulani youths and the natives squared clashed in Rikkos, Dogon Dutse, Yan Shanu and Saint Michael area, resulting in the torching of several houses and places of worship.

Among those shot by the fake military men was the community leader of the Mupum in Jos otherwise called Mishkaham Mupun of Nasarawa Gwom, Mr. Samuel Dawam.

The affected areas were still locked down and residents indoors as at press time.

A tour of the Tin City, especially the commercial area, revealed desertion, as many business concerns, including banks, were yet to open.

Contacted, the Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven, Major Umar Adam, confirmed the renewed hostility in parts of the capital but declined comments on the number of casualties and torched homes.

His words: “I know some people were killed and houses burnt but the figures are yet to be ascertained.

We don’t work with speculation. All I can tell you for now are that all the areas you mentioned are under control and our men are on top of the situation.

When the figures are ready, we would call you people and brief you accordingly, but for now normalcy has returned to the affected areas.

“On the allegation of fake military men, we are not aware of that because our men are fully on ground and they have not apprehended any. We cannot comment on that.

But we are encouraging them (residents) to live in peace with one another. If they embrace peace, bad elements would not infiltrate them.”