Gunmen Attack Plateau Communities, Kill Eight

At least eight persons were confirmed dead on Wednesday after two separate attacks carried out by gunmen in Congo and Zarap communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

It was learnt that among the victims was a member of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LG identified simply as Kenneth Kadish It was further gathered that one of the attacks, which occurred around 7 p.m. near the Congo community’s market, took place shortly after the market had closed for the day.

While six persons died instantly in the Congo community, in the neighbouring Zarap community two persons were killed.The Chairman of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the two attacks to The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday

The chairman said, “Some armed men just came to the Angwa community and Zarap community and attacked the people on Tuesday night around 7 pm. Nobody expected that there would be any attack on the people who are struggling to put behind them the ugly experiences of previous attacks“In Angwa Congo, the people were just relaxing and enjoying themselves because that Tuesday was their market day when some armed persons appeared and opened fire on those standing. Six persons died instantly while some persons were injured. Among the six persons who died was my member of peace Ambassador, Kenneth Kadish, who is a member of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LGA.“Then in the Zarap community, some gunmen on motorbikes just shot at two persons standing in front of their houses and killed two of them. All the attacks and killings happened on Tuesday night and took the same pattern ”

The chairman, who condemned the attacks, said that the matter had been reported to the security agents.

“We have reported the attacks to the security agents because the place where the attack on the Angwa Congo community took place was not far from the security checkpoint. They have come to check the place and I think they have started their investigation to know those who carried out the attack and possibly apprehend them,” the chairman said.

The Spokesman for the Plateau Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not readily available when contacted as his mobile phone indicated that it was switched off

The latest attack adds to the growing insecurity in Bokkos LGA, where various communities have been repeatedly targeted, leaving residents in a constant state of fear and uncertainty.

Source: Punch