A devastating attack by gunmen in Gidan Ado community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, has left 15 people dead, several houses burnt, and many injured and displaced. The victims were laid to rest in a mass burial on Monday, a somber reminder of the ongoing violence in the region.
The attack, which occurred late Sunday night, was condemned by the Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, who described the act as “barbaric”
“This actually happened in Gidan Ado, in Ganawuri community, Riyom Local Government, where the assailants came and took away the precious lives of our people like that. It is barbaric,” Ashoms said.
He urged security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
A youth leader in the community, Song Muru, confirmed the attack and detailed the devastation, including the loss of at least six lives initially reported, with others still missing.
The Plateau State Government has expressed sadness over the incident and condoled with the families of the deceased. Commissioner Ashoms emphasized the need for security agencies to redouble their efforts to arrest the perpetrators and prevent further violence. The government has also called on the assailants to desist from their barbaric acts, reiterating that the people of Plateau State are known for their peaceful disposition.
This incident is reminiscent of last year’s Christmas Eve violence in Plateau State, which resulted in multiple deaths and destruction of homes. In response, the Plateau State Police Command has implemented measures to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during and after the Christmas festive season, including banning night grazing and farming activities, deploying personnel across all 17 LGAs, and restricting late-night activities.
The Police Command had earlier banned night grazing and farming activities in the state, while also deploying personnel across all 17 LGAs. Other measures include banning late-night beer parlours, mining activities, and commercial motorcycles. The state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, said these measures followed engagements with stakeholders to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during and after the Christmas festive season.
As of press time, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, and the spokesman for the Military Task Force, Major Samson Zhakom, had yet to release statements regarding the Sunday attack.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for increased security measures to protect vulnerable communities. As the investigation into the attack continues, the people of Plateau State remain on edge, hoping for a swift resolution and an end to the cycle of violence.
