|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Many people were feared killed on Monday following renewed violence in the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Recall that clashes between some Fulani herdsmen and the indigenous Irigwe ethnic nationality had left no fewer than 13 persons killed from both sides with over 200 houses set ablaze between Saturday and Sunday.
It was gathered that during the Monday violence, suspected Fulani herdsmen allegedly invaded more communities in the Miango district and killed scores of natives, while others fled their homes.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association, Lawrence Zongo, on Monday said, “While we are still mourning those killed in the previous attack, the Fulani militia herdsmen returned on Monday and attacked many more villages including Chwuyeh, Ntiroku (Angwan Magaji), Isho (Kishisho), Gyeh (Kigam), Kangbro, Hwrra, Zirshe, Maiyanga, and Dundu.
“A total of 43 dead bodies had been recovered from various communities attacked by Fulani militia on Monday. Over 20,000 of our people have been dislodged in an operation that lasted for more than six hours. Many were injured and hundreds of households razed.
“In Isho village, five people were killed; Chuweh, six; Ntireku (Angwan Magaji),five; Ghey (Kigam),five; Kangbro,11; Dundu, two, and Hwrra /Mai-Yanga ,11. One soldier wasalso killed by the marauders.”
However, the Plateau state Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Nura Muhammad, denied the involvement of herders in the renewed violence, saying, “Our settlement in Bwauna is calm.”
But our correspondent gathered that following the violence, the ANAN University in Kwall community in the Bassa LGA had been shut down.
A staff member of the university, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We were asked to stay at home pending when normalcy would return to the area. The community hosting the university has become militarised.”
Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong, has summoned an emergency security meeting on the violence in the communities.
The governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, in a statement on Monday said, “The Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has tasked security agencies to take all necessary measures to stop the deteriorating security situation in Bassa and Riyom local government areas which has led to the loss of lives and destruction of houses, properties and farmlands.
“He has also summoned an emergency Security Council today (Tuesday, August 3), where he will receive further briefings and conduct detailed reviews to determine the next step of action.”
