Plateau residents killed, houses razed in attack by suspected Fulani militiamen

Suspected Fulani militiamen, on Sunday night, reportedly killed an unspecified number of residents at Ajing community, in Panyam District of Mangu Local Council, Plateau State.

A resident, who pleaded anonymity, said the attackers arrived in their numbers.

He said: “They were killing people from a distance. The locals could not access them from where they were shooting. Moreover, it was dark. The guns they used were more sophisticated than AK-47.

“Sixteen houses were burnt. The Royal Father of the district, traditional rulers and security operatives went to the scene but did not stay for up to 10 minutes and came back.”

On why security operatives did not shoot to defend the community, a source told The Guardian that they were not given any orders to shoot.

A resident said the attackers had a field day, storming the homes of victims, carting away goats, fertilizers and other items.

The building of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) and other properties were burnt, while farm crops were destroyed.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alfred Alabo, said he was yet to receive information from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area.

“Sometimes, when something happens, I don’t have power to comment, until my DPO, who is on ground, has concluded investigation. He would then brief me.

“But journalist don’t understand this process. Immediately he briefs me, I will let you know or I will issue a press statement for all of you to know,” Alabo said.

Meanwhile, some mourners at Mararaban Jama’a in Jos South Local Council, who were returning from a mortuary, were said to have clashed with military personnel at a checkpoint, yesterday.

Witnesses reported gunshots and the burning of a military Hilux vehicle.