-
Govt calls for calm
From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Gunmen killed at least 10 people on Wednesday in a fresh attack on five communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The state government has called for calm amid the violence.
This attack comes less than a week after a similar assault in Ruwi community. There, 11 mourners, including pregnant women, were shot dead and three others injured during a wake-keep ceremony.
Farmasum Fuddang, Chairman of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard, confirmed the latest incident to our correspondent on Thursday. He said five villages faced attacks.
Fuddang explained that the gunmen ignored security forces. They moved from village to village, harming and killing residents. In a statement shared with journalists in Jos, he said, “In just one week, we have lost over 20 community members due to these marauding terrorists. On April 2 alone, they killed over 10 people. All thanks to the Nigerian military and police for their swift response to distress calls, which helped minimize casualties.”
He added, “The attacks yesterday affected five villages. It started from Mongor but the attackers were repelled by security forces. The attacker then moved to Daffo and attacked the community but security swiftly responded and chased them out. After Daffo, they went to Manguna, Hurti and Tadai villages and launched attacks.”
The BCDC also spoke out. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of the recent invasions in Ruwi, Mangor, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai. We call on emergency agencies such as NEMA, SEMA, and the Nigerian Red Cross to swiftly provide relief to the displaced and injured,” the group said.
These attacks have forced people in the affected areas and nearby communities to run for safety.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government has condemned the violence in Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna (Tagai), Hurti, and Tadai communities of Bokkos on the night of 2 April 2025.
Hon Joyce Ramnap, Commissioner of Information, spoke in a phone interview. She asked citizens to stay calm. She praised security operatives for their quick actions and urged them to catch those responsible for this terrible act.