Many Feared Killed, Houses Burnt In States

Gunmen yesterday attacked villages in Kanam council of Plateau State, killing an uncertain number of residents and setting their homes on fire. Sources said the assailants invaded Kukawa, Gyanbahu, Dungur and Keram villages about 1pm.

There were unconfirmed reports, before the attacks, that bandits had infiltrated Jos, and could attack any moment.

Adam Musa, a resident of Kukawa village, who confirmed the assault, said that many were killed, while a lot more sustained injuries, and hundreds fleeing their homes. Musa said security personnel were yet to arrive at the villages, adding that the gunmen invaded the villages in batches and in broad daylight when the residents were going about their normal activities.

He said they burnt down many houses. Security was stepped up around Jos, the state capital. Roads were blocked to forestall any eventuality. The police command dispelled rumours of any imminent attack.

Spokesman Ubah Ogaba said the command had adopted new strategies to curb insecurity in the state. “The police command wishes to state clearly that Plateau State, especially Jos, its capital, is very peaceful. The command has adopted a new security strategy in line with our normal routine patrol and check. Also, the command would be proactive on any intelligent report at our disposal, as it is our core mandate to protect life and property,” he said.

(thenationonlineng.net)