Jude Nicodemus, 19, was shot dead and two other people were injured by gunmen at Gana Rop village in Barkin-Ladi local government area of Plateau State. The gunmen are thought to be Fulani extremists.
According to information obtained, the shooters entered the neighbourhood early on Thursday, December 21, 2023, killing Jude in his home and injuring two of his neighbours.
Benshark Timothy, a villager, stated that the approximately ten shooters left after carrying out the heinous deed. He further stated that those who were hurt were transported to Barkin Ladi General Hospital by members of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).
“This is one of the recent renewed attacks and killings without any form of provocation in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos, and Mangu by the marauders, who have vowed to make the forthcoming Christmas and New Year come with mixed feelings in the state,” he said.
Read Also: Gunmen In Military Uniform Abduct Seven Travellers
The tragic incident, among others, happened after some security intelligence revealed that Fulani militant groups have vowed to resume hostilities in villages and communities during the Christmas celebrations, according to a statement released by the Berom Youth Moulders (BYM) and signed by its publicity secretary, Rwang Tengwong.
But it also denounced the recent killings in some areas of Plateau State and, in the same spirit, urged all security forces, especially Operation Safe Haven-OPSH, which is led by Maj. Gen. AE Abdulsallam, who also serves as the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, to step up their efforts to combat the terrorism resurgence and eliminate the terrorist elements that are allegedly stationed in the hills of Were in Ropp of Barkin Ladi LGA and certain areas of the Plateau.
The BYM applauded Sector 4 Commander Col. U.S. Abdulsallam for his prompt action in preventing other casualties in the vicinity.
It expressed sympathy to the families of those who have lost a loved one to recent, non-violent attacks and urged people to exercise greater caution before, during, and after the holiday season.