Gunmen carried out a tragic attack on Farin Lamba community in Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area in Plateau State, resulting in the loss of eight lives. This information was disclosed by Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Movement (BYM), a socio-cultural group, in a statement issued on Monday in Jos.
According to Mr. Tengwong, the armed criminals launched their assault on the community on Sunday night, leaving a trail of devastation and causing significant loss of life. The attack has sent shockwaves through the community and has raised concerns about the security situation in the area.
Local authorities and security agencies have been notified about the incident, and it is hoped that swift action will be taken to investigate the attack, apprehend the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. The affected community and the wider public are grieving over the loss of innocent lives and are calling for improved security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities in some parts of Plateau State, where sporadic violence and attacks have disrupted peace and caused immense suffering. Efforts are needed to address the root causes of these conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence among different ethnic and religious groups in the region.
According to Mr. Tengwong, the assailants arrived at the village around 9:45 p.m. on Sunday in a car and began shooting indiscriminately at the residents. Tragically, eight individuals, including an eight-month-old baby, lost their lives in the attack. The young child and their father were killed as they were returning from the hospital.
Expressing his deep concern, Mr. Tengwong lamented the recurring incidents of violence and killings in various communities across Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, and Mangu local government areas. The escalating level of violence in these areas has become a source of great distress for the affected communities, who are grappling with the loss of innocent lives and the impact on their sense of security.
The continued attacks and killings underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts by both the government and security agencies to address the root causes of the violence and ensure the safety of residents in these communities. Measures such as increased security presence, intelligence gathering, and proactive community engagement should be implemented to curb the rising wave of violence and protect the lives and property of the citizens.
The residents affected by these tragic events are mourning the loss of their loved ones and are calling on the relevant authorities to take decisive action to prevent further attacks and restore peace to their communities. The collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the government, security agencies, community leaders, and residents, are vital in finding lasting solutions to the security challenges in the affected areas.
Mr. Tengwong highlighted the extensive damage caused by the ongoing violence, including the destruction of farmlands, houses, and other properties. However, he expressed his appreciation for the proactive measures taken by Major General Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), and expressed optimism that lasting peace would soon be restored to the troubled areas in the state.
Furthermore, he commended the Federal and State Governments for their deployment of mobile police personnel to communities that have been frequently targeted by attacks. He emphasized the importance of residents in Plateau State adhering to the law and providing support to security agencies in their efforts to establish lasting peace in the region.
While attempts to reach Alfred Alabo, the Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Plateau, were unsuccessful, a senior police officer confirmed the occurrence of the attack. The confirmation further underscores the seriousness of the situation and highlights the urgent need for swift and decisive action to address the ongoing violence and protect the lives and livelihoods of the affected communities.