20 dead, scores injured, 63-year-old man rescued in Plateau State wee-hour attacks — Police

At least, 20 people have been killed in two separate attacks in Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State in the wee hours of Thursday.

According to the State Police Command, 17 people were wasted in Tagwam Lawuru village while three more persons were sent to the great beyond at Layowok village with several others sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

DSP Alabo Alfred, the command’s spokesman said in a statement obtained by Persecondnews that the DPO of Barkin-Ladi and his team while on patrol rescued a 63-year old man, who was kidnapped along Riyom-jos road on August 8, 2023 at about 2100hours in a Plateau Riders Sharon vehicle while on their way from Abuja

He said: “On 10/08/2023, at around 0500hrs, the Plateau State Police Command received information from one Rwang Danjuma ‘M’, of Heipang District, that at between 0200hrs to 0230hrs, unknown gunmen stormed Tagwam Lawuru Village where they cowardly shot and killed 17 people.

“After the attack on Tagwam Lawuru village, the hoodlums also proceeded to Layowok village where they killed 3 persons. As a result of the attacks, several other people sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

“On receipt of the information, the DPO Barkin Ladi, led a combined team of Policemen and personnel from other security agencies including members of security help groups in the state to reinforce and restore normalcy in the affected communities.

“The injured victims have been responding to treatment at the different hospitals where they were immediately rushed to.

“The Command is however, pleased to inform you that, the DPO Barkin-Ladi and team while on Patrol, rescued one Gideon Nweke ‘m’ Aged 63years of Liberty Boulevards British America Jos, who was kidnapped along Riyom-Jos Road on 08/08/2023 at about 2100hours in a Plateau Riders Sharon vehicle while on their way from Abuja.

“The victim was taken to Allah Nakowa Hospital Barkin Ladi for treatment of injuries inflicted on him as a result of a beating.

“On this note, the Commissioner of police and the entire officers and staff of the Nigerian Police Force on the Plateau extend our heartfelt condolences to the communities and families of the victims.

“We also wish to assure you that we have already put modalities in place to ensure the arrest and onward prosecution of the perpetrators of these inhuman acts.”

Persecondnews gathered that the unending and incessant attacks in Plateau State has resulted in the deaths of over 346 persons in the first three month of 2023 in eight local government areas.

According to Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, 17 people were killed in Bokkos, Mangu 234, Barkin Ladi 39, Riyom 36, Jos North 5, Mikang 5 and Bassa 1.

The Police Command also warned those enabling or carrying out criminal activities within the state to stop forthwith or they will be dealt with according to the law.

Alfred added: “The Command is using this opportunity to send a stern warning to all criminals and hoodlums, that we shall not tolerate any form of criminal activity within the State, and if you are caught engaged in any criminal activities you will be severely dealt with according to the law.

“To the good and peace-loving people of Plateau State, the Command urges you to remain calm and go about your lawful businesses as we are committed to ensuring the security of lives and properties within the State.”