Gunmen reportedly killed no fewer than 11 persons in Adu village in Bassa Local Council of Plateau State, on Sunday night.
Gunmen reportedly killed no fewer than 11 persons in Adu village in Bassa Local Council of Plateau State, on Sunday night.
The Guardian gathered that the gunmen blocked all the entrances to the village, making it difficult for the victims to escape or get assistance from neighbours.
A witness, who did not want to disclose his identity because he was lucky to escape the attack, stated that the operation lasted about 50 minutes. He said intermittent gunshots from the attackers were heard, which caused panic among the residents.
The witness said that the attackers came in the rain, killing a family of eight in their house and another three on their way out of the community, while about six, who were injured, were receiving treatment at the time of this report.
Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alfred Alabo, who was with Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the 63rd Independence Day Parade at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos told The Guardian that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) had not briefed him on the unfortunate incident.
But the National President of Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Robert Arshi, confirmed the incident, pointing fingers at herdsmen.
On the circumstances that led to the attack, Arshi narrated that it was a reprisal attack following a Fulani man, who was killed in neighbouring Kigham village in Southern Kaduna.
He said: "Three days ago, the Fulani were trooping into Kwall community, but our people asked them to go back to where they were coming from. In the process, their cows scattered and they complained that they could not locate some of the cows.
"The military came in and later discovered that two cows were slaughtered in the bush. So it became a problem. When we noticed this, the peace committee set up during the Simon Lalong administration between the Irigwe and Fulani summoned a meeting of the military, traditional rulers, the Ardos and other stakeholders."
Arshi also disclosed that they sat at Bassa Council and appealed to one another that the problem should not be allowed to escalate and they all agreed.
Having gone home with satisfaction, on Sunday night, the Fulani attacked Adu village killing 11 people while others sustained injuries.
"Since we signed the peace pact, my people have not killed any Fulani. We have told our boys to refrain from anything that might cause problems. How can we compare the lives of human beings with cows?" he lamented, appealing to the authorities to investigate the matter and ensure justice is done.
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