Gunmen Kill Seven in Renewed Attacks on Plateau Communities

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

No fewer than seven persons have been reportedly killed following attacks on Puka and Pinper communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack, which happened in the early hours of Thursday, is coming after a long period of peace in the area.

THISDAY gathered that the seven persons were killed in Puka community, while the assailants only succeeded in stealing motorbikes, sheep and other domestic animals in Pinper community in Komun district.

A community leader, Mr. Zaccheaus Jomo, who confirmed the killings Thursday morning, said: “The Puka community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State came under heavy attack by gunmen early this morning (Thursday). They also attacked another community in the council area known as Pinper.

“In Puka community, they killed one lady and six men. But in Pinper, they carted away motorbikes, sheep and other valuables before they fled into the hills.”

While condemning the attacks, Jomo said the incident had been reported to security operatives for investigation.

The spokesman of Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, could not be reached for confirmation, while the media officer of the military task force deployed for peace in the state, Captain James Oya, said he will get back with facts on the attacks.

Meanwhile, the state government has completed training for 600 personnel of Operation Safe Haven, a state-owned security outfit.

During their passing out parade in Jos Wednesday, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support to state-owned security outfits, stated that the revitalisation of the outfit was timely, coming when the state needed consolidation on the gains of tackling security challenges that had ravaged the people for years.

He admonished the personnel to uphold discipline and professionalism in their conduct.