Nigeria : Gunmen kill 22, injure scores in Plateau

Twenty-two persons were killed by gunmen, who attacked two villages in Plateau State on Sunday night.

The villages are Kwata in Jos South Local Government and Hoss in Riyom Council.

Both attacks were carried out simultaneously. Many people were injured.

Among the victims were 15 women, four children and two men.

A soldier serving in the ‘Operation Safe Haven’ was killed in a separate attack, according to the Media Officer, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha.

Kwata residents alleged that the attackers were Fulani militias.

The incidents occurred about five hours after soldiers of the ‘Operation Save Haven’ in Jos warned about an imminent attack in the city by the people bent on disrupting peace.

Police spokesman Abu Emmanuel confirmed the attacks.

He said: “The command has received reports of the attacks and the police commissioner has drafted men and officers to the scene.

“We cannot confirm the casualty figure now. We have to rescue the victims first before we take record of casualties. We urge the public to be calm.”

Governor Simon Lalong has described the attacks as a setback in peace-building.

He spoke yesterday through his Director of Press, Mr. Samuel Nanle.

Said he: “The peace and reconciliation process initiated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has recorded success. The government assures citizens of their safety.”

Lalong directed the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Vom Christian Hospital, where the victims are receiving attention, to treat them at government’s expense.

He enjoined residents to be vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

Source