18 People Killed In Jos Village – Official

Plateau governor, Simon Lalong

At least 18 persons were killed in Kadunung village of Plateau State Tuesday night, the transition committee chairman of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Titus Bise, said on Wednesday. Residents of the village said a family of seven was wiped out, while over 150 houses were burnt by the attackers.

Although the spokesman of the special military taskforce on Jos crisis, Operation Safe Haven, Ikedichi Iweha, made no reference to casualty, he confirmed the attack, saying houses were burnt and residents displaced.

PREMIUM TIMES report continues:

“Our troop got the information very late but we have taken over the affected areas in search of the gunmen,” Mr. Iweha said.

But the council chairman explained that after the attack, he joined the rescue team that evacuated the dead bodies.

He said the team also discovered 11 charred bodies of people burnt in their homes.

“Apart from the 11 bodies, we picked from various places. There is a compound [where] we removed 7 dead bodies burnt in their rooms. That makes 18 deaths so far.

“We are suspecting there are bodies in the bushes, some youths are still searching and more bodies might be recovered. But for now we have dead bodies which have been buried already,” he said.

According to the council boss, more than 5,000 people might have been displaced.

“Report reaching me from Bauchi said over 1,000 displaced persons are already taking refuge in some parts of the state,” he said.

Mr. Bise added that the incident has created humanitarian problem for government as about 5,000 residents of the village were displaced and their houses burnt by the attackers.

A statement by Director of Press and Public Affairs to Plateau State governor, Emmanuel Nanle, said Governor Simon Lalong had ordered security agencies to step up action in curtailing killings in the state.

The governor urged State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to, as a matter of urgency, provide relief materials to the affected persons.

“It is regrettable that as efforts are being made by government to see to the end of violent conflict in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and parts of Jos South Local Government Areas, the state is faced with another communal crisis,” the governor lamented.

Mr. Lalong appealed to people to remain calm, embrace peace and not to take the law into their hands.