Friday, June 28, 2013

Gunmen kill 33 in fresh Plateau attack

Unknown gunmen invaded Bolgan, Karkashi, and
Magama villages in Langtang South Local
Government Area of Plateau State, on Thursday
killing no fewer than 35 persons including secondary
school students,
who are currently writing their NECO Examination.
The police spokesperson, Felicia Anselem, told journalist that
security personnel have been redeployed to the affected area.
According to an eye witness, the Fulani/Jukun unleashed
mayhem on the native Tarok tribe in the villages in the early
hours of Thursday morning, leaving at least 37 persons dead
including secondary school students, who are currently
writing their NECO Examination, and many others.
Another eye witness and resident, Mark Lipdo, confirmed
that over twenty four people were killed although the death
toll may be more as others people are still reported missing.
Lipdo, the coordinator of Stephanus foundation, a Jos-based
non-governmental organization, said the attackers followed
their victims on motorcycles blocking their escape before
shooting them.
Residents who escaped said Bolgan Village has been
completely burnt down with nine people confirmed killed
there.
It was reported that the father and brother of a cleric, Nandip
Miri, of the COCIN church in Langtang, are believed to have
died in the attack.
Rev. Miri who is the Provisional Church Council chairman of
COCIN, said that the death toll may be higher as corpses of
those killed while fleeing still littered the road and the bush.
He said, "We cannot know the actual number of people who
lost their lives as we are still picking dead bodies from the
bush. The attackers followed the victims on motorcycles and
were killing them mercilessly as they tried to escape. So many
dead bodies were found in the bush and more may still be
found later."
However, the senator representing Plateau South in the
National Assembly, Victor Lar, has appealed to the people to
remain calm and report any suspicious movement to security
agencies for necessary action.
Anselem said investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full
details of the incident.

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