Map of Plateau State
Suspected herdsmen wreaked havoc on Juwan and Manja communities in Plateau State, killing 13 people, mostly children and the elderly, and setting houses ablaze.
The attacks, which occurred on Thursday, have left residents traumatized and fearful for their safety.
In Juwan, Tangur District of Bokkos Local Government Area, 10 people were killed and several others injured when the attackers invaded the community late at night, going from house to house and breaking through ceilings where they couldn’t gain entrance.
“Those affected mostly are the aged and children who could not run, while those agile fled for safety,” said Amalau Samuel, Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council.
In Manja, Chafem Chiefdom of Mangu Local Government Area, three people were killed while working on their farms.
The attackers also set over 20 houses ablaze before security operatives intervened.
“The attacks in recent times on our communities are just too much. Anytime they issued notice of an attack, they would fulfill it,” said Mathew Kwarpo, a lawmaker representing Mangu South.
The communities have been under increased attacks from suspected herdsmen in recent times, resulting in loss of lives and property.
The LG chairman is appealing to the state and federal governments to intervene and provide security for the affected communities .
