At least 14 people were killed by gunmen in Plateau State between Saturday and Sunday.
It was learnt that the night attack occurred in the Lisham Kwahasnat community, situated between the Mangu and Bokkos local government areas of the state.
It was further gathered that following the killings, the villagers who were infuriated by the attacks went after the assailants, leading to the burning of several houses and the destruction of properties in different localities on Sunday.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Alabo Alfred, said he would find out about the situation and get back to our correspondent when contacted on the incident on Sunday.
However, the spokesman for the military task force in charge of maintaining peace in the state, Capt. Oya James confirmed the killings to The PUNCH in Jos on Sunday.
James, who condemned the renewed violence in the area, said more troops had been deployed to the troubled communities to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
James said, “We were on our to way Mangu to prepare for an event tomorrow (Monday) when we were told that there was a little unrest in Bokkos and we had to move to Bokkos and we have been there since morning till now.
“What happened was that some assailants went to a village between Mangu and Bokkos and killed 14 persons. The villagers were also attacking herders thinking possibly that they were the ones responsible for the killings. So, we have been here trying to stop them.
“While we were in a particular location, you would hear that they had started attacking another village and our troops would rush to the affected village.
“That is what we have been doing since morning till this Sunday afternoon but the situation has been brought under control because our troops are on the ground and more troops are on their way to ensure that no further breakdown of law and other happens.”
Meanwhile, the state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, in his Christmas goodwill message on Sunday, urged the citizens to embrace peace and love for one another despite current challenges.
In a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor said, “This Christmas, let’s rekindle our love for humanity by dedicating our time and energy to enriching the lives of others. May we embody values of love, charity, and selflessness, contributing to a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Plateau.”
