Gunmen Kill Two Friends, Injure Five In Plateau Community

Rampaging gunmen allegedly belonging to Fulani militias have killed two individuals and wounded five more in the Rawuru hamlet, in the Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to reports, on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at around 7:30 p.m., gunmen assaulted the village and killed Mr. Moses Dalyop, 28, and his friend, Samuel Yakubu, 26.

While Yakubu left behind a wife and three children, Moses is survived by a pregnant wife and a 3-year-old son.

In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rwang Tengwong, the National Body of Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM) expressed outrage at the attack.

National Body of Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM) expressed outrage at the attack.

The group said that the armed Fulani militias, robbers, and their allies used terror assaults and ambushes as part of their strategy to keep killing and displacing the traditional landowners who were descended from them.

The BYM called on the appropriate authorities to fulfil their legal obligations and put an end to the ongoing wave of terrorist attacks that are being inflicted on Plateau villages and communities. The BYM also denounced the past attacks.

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“Following the recent attacks, killings, loss of valuables, disruption of livelihoods, and alarming displacements, in addition to the early warning signals about the planned terror onslaughts, the BYM unequivocally states that since the terrorist elements have continued to ravage hamlets, villages, and communities on the Plateau, especially Berom land, the government is hereby pleaded to legalize the acquisition of firearms by communities under the supervision of the Nigerian Police Force to safeguard themselves before we are all extinct, for this is believed to be an accelerated ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ mission of the jihadist expeditions not only on the Plateau but Nigeria at large,” the statement read.

Therefore, it demanded more practical steps be taken by the federal and state governments to deradicalize the attackers, noting that their persistent intrusive behaviour seems to be impeding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s genuine attempts to create a peaceful and prosperous nation.

The group also urged the young people to reject violence by choosing peace, to defend themselves by being extremely vigilant against any act of aggression, and to work in tandem with local security personnel, especially when it comes to sharing early warnings so that the proper authorities can take prompt action.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli