Gunmen attacked the Gidan Ado community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night, leaving at least 14 people dead.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Community Development Association (IDA), Mr. Sam Jugo, confirmed the incident to journalists. He revealed that the attack had been reported to Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security task force responsible for maintaining peace in the state. According to him, troops from the operation had responded to the scene.
The attack occurred just two days after the state police command deployed officers to five local government areas, including Riyom, to enhance security ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Jugo stated that the victims of the attack were natives of Irigwe from Bassa Local Government Area.
Reports from community emissaries identified the deceased as Dauda Arabo (48), Hassana Wula (52), Basuna Moses (22), Faith Basuna (19), Laraba Randi (18), Danlami Gado (50), Moses Yakubu (48), Azumi Moses (13), Talatu Hassan (42), Chama Ernest (20), Agumo Monday (20), Sheba Ernest (1), Mary Stephen (33), and Isere Moses (3). Additionally, Linda Moses (32) sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed location.
Jugo expressed concern over the inability to identify the attackers at the time of this report. He called for restraint within the Irigwe community while urging security agencies to take decisive action to prevent future occurrences or reprisals.
He lamented the loss of lives, saying, “Our hearts bleed for the demise of our kinsmen, with whom we had hoped to spend this yuletide. Their lives were tragically cut short.”
As of press time, the spokespersons for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, and the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident.
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