Gunmen
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
At least five persons lost their lives in a recent assault by gunmen in the Mbar community of the Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard, signed by its Chairman, Barr. Farmasum Fuddang, and Secretary, Amb. Duwam Bosco, the group reported that despite prior intelligence warning of potential terrorist activities in the region, the armed assailants commenced their attack on the community.
The report detailed how unarmed youths were targeted while traveling from Mbar town to Koh village via a bypass close to Yelwa Nono village between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The attackers, described as bandit terrorists on motorcycles, had previously been repelled by military forces from surrounding mountainous areas.
“By the time security forces were informed about the attack and arrived at the scene several minutes later, the terrorists had completed their mission and fled without being apprehended. This incident adds to a series of armed attacks in our villages, including the recent killing of 11 youths in Tarangol, Daffo, and Bargesh villages in September.
“We perceive these unprovoked attacks as a calculated attempt to evict our people from their ancestral homes and take over the land. We request to be involved in addressing the threats to our land, working in synergy with security forces, as is the case with the civilian joint task force in the northeast and northwest regions.”
The BCDC also emphasized the importance of involving local community members in the security of the area, citing their familiarity with the terrain as a vital asset for security agencies.
“This is not to undermine or downplay the efforts of the military. However, we recognize the logistical and manpower challenges they face, which necessitate the active participation of local community members who are familiar with the terrain and can provide valuable intelligence to identify and expose criminal elements in the communities.
“We believe this approach can help us find lasting solutions to these attacks, often carried out by mercenaries with extremist ideologies who are frequently heard chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ while slaughtering residents.”
The group also advised communities to avoid traveling late, as recommended by security authorities, in order to minimize risks.
Furthermore, they urged vigilance and self-defense, given the evident inadequacy of government security forces.
