Clergyman, 20 others killed in Plateau communities

VOICE AIR MEDIA News Update

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias have killed 21 persons, including a clergyman in communities in Barkin-Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

According to a statement by the Beron Youth Moulders Association (BMY) signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, 21 people were killed and several others injured on Sunday, June 11, 2023, during coordinated attacks by the gunmen on residents of Rim, Jol, and Kwi communities of Riyom, as well as Gana-Ropp community in Barkin Ladi.

The statement further disclosed that in Gana-Ropp, the clergyman, Reverend Nicodemus Kim, with the Church of Christ in Nations, was attacked at his home around 8 p.m. on Sunday, with the militias opening fire on him.

“It is a great concern that these communities, especially Rim, Jol, and Kwi, have come under attack several times in the last two weeks, yet Sunday’s attack went on for hours without the intervention of the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven-OPSH,” the statement read.

“More worrisome is the fact that Mahanga, which is the base of those terrorizing these communities, is known, yet no effort has been made by security personnel to raid the place. Also, for over a decade now, the Special Task Force in the state has not addressed these killings,”

The Association thereby condemned the coordinated attacks and other forms of provocation meted out on innocent people of the Plateau since the 2023 General Election.

The Association called on the new administration both at the federal and state levels to come up with new strategies to address the security situation in the country, particularly in Plateau State.

The BYM called on the Berom nation to remain calm and law-abiding, but must explore every avenue to defend their communities.

The spokesman of Plateau State Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the incident, adding that the command, led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Onyeka, was at the scene of the unfortunate incident for an assessment of the situation.

The PPRO added that the men of the command have been drafted to the affected communities.