Plateau Youths on Rampage over Murder of Monarch

*Jang condemns renewed killings
*Our members are being attacked – Herdsmen

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Following the murder of their traditional ruler, Lazarus Agai, by suspected herdsmen, youths from Bokkos Local government area of Plateau State on Tuesday defied the curfew imposed by the state government and went on rampage, burning houses and brandishing weapons.

Already, the Senator representing Plateau Northern zone, Jonah David Jang, has condemned the renewed onslaught on the people of the state “by those who are hell-bent on dispossessing us of our God-given heritage.”

A statement by Jang’s aide, Comrade Clinton Garuba described the murder as heart-rending, “especially at a time when our dear state is going through a challenging time when his wealth of experience and the core values which he stood for are direly needed.”

Agai, the Saf Ron Kulere, was on Monday evening killed with his driver and security guard after they were ambushed by the assailants on their way from the Monarch’s farm at Shen village.

To stem violence and possible reprisal, the state government immediately imposed curfew in the area after summoning emergency meeting of all security chiefs in the state. But the irate youths who were armed to the teeth defiled the curfew and took to the streets in violent protest.

The youths, who barricaded the major road leading to the area, also prevented journalists, and security operatives that were sent from Jos to reinforce the ones in the area.

Meanwhile, state Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Mallam Nuru Muhammad, has raised the alarm that his members are under siege, and are being attacked by the youths of the area. He said “irate youths of Bokkos have attacked and set ablaze Fokkos, Danan and part of Kwata; all Fulani settlements in Bokkos LGA of the state.”
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