Gov Dalong declares curfew as herdsmen kill 2 soldiers, 2 policemen, 23 others

Attacks by suspected killer herdsmen left no less than 27 dead, including two soldiers and two Mobile policemen in Plateau State on Wednesday.

The attack was said to have happened at about 6:30am on Wednesday at Dung Kasa, Rafiki and Dutse Kura communities in Bassa Local Government Area of the State.

The incident was confirmed in a statement late Wednesday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu, who said that two soldiers were also wounded, while seven suspects were arrested, and a number of weapons recovered from them.

He said, “Troops of 3 Division Garrison, Jos arrested seven suspects and recovered weapons in the clash between Miango community and herdsmen at Rafiki village on Wednesday. The troops responded to distress calls to the clash reported by locals.

“As troops moved in to settle the dispute, the herdsmen opened fire on them. Two soldiers paid the supreme price and seven suspects were arrested in connection with the clashes.

“While conducting search, troops discovered 23 dead bodies at Mararaba Dare shortly before Rafiki village and many civilians were wounded. Two other soldiers wounded are receiving medical attention at 3 Division Military Hospital and Medical Services.

“Weapons recovered include one Ak 47 assault rifle with 26 rounds of 7.62mm special and one locally made single barrel loaded with 15 rounds. Troops have intensified patrol within the general area to forestall further break down of law and order.”

Though the Army did not mention the killing of the two policemen, an eyewitness report claimed that two soldiers, two mobile police officers and some others were killed during the attack and that several houses were razed and cars burnt during the attack.

Meanwhile, the state Governor Simon Lalong has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

The Secretary to the State Governmen SSG), Mr. Rufus Bature, who made the announcement on Wednesday said that the decision came after consultation with security agencies.

According to him, the curfew would be within 6pm and 6am daily.

“Consequently, security agencies in area have been mandated to enforce the curfew. Law abiding citizens are advised go about their lawful businesses,’’ he said as he called on the affected communities to embrace peace, promising them that efforts were on to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the problem.

Earlier, the president of the Miango Youths Development Association, Lawrence Zongo, told newsmen that “there was a fresh attack this ( Wednesday ) around 6.30am on Dung Kasa, Rafiki and Dutse communities. Two persons have died; more than seven people have been seriously injured by Fulani terrorists.

READ ALSO: Unprovoked killings can cause civil war, Umahi says as herdsmen attack Ebonyi

“One person is missing. Yet, the Nigerian Army failed to arrest the Fulani terrorists but were busy protecting them and asking our vigilantes what they have to offer them.

“This is getting too much as people in Rafiki and Dutse Kura where there is a clash between the local vigilantes and Fulani terrorists to protect the people within the attacked areas. Since the Nigerian Army cannot protect us, we have to protect ourselves.

“We appreciate the efforts of management of Enos Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos for taking time in treating the injured once.”

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

 

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now