Plateau Attack: 40 killed,383 houses razed with over 1,000 displaced

About 40 people lost their lives and over 1,000 were displaced following a violent attack on Hurti and surrounding communities in the Manguna District of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Mr. Maren Aradong, the village head of Hurti revealed these figures on Sunday during an appraisal visit by a government delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Samuel Jatau.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  stated that, the attack, which took place on April 2, also extended to Josho, Daffo, and several other communities within the area.

According to  the village head, the attackers arrived around 3:00 p.m. last Wednesday, riding motorcycles and launching a series of coordinated assaults on multiple villages.

“In Hurti alone, these gunmen killed more than 40 people and displaced about 1,000 persons. They also burnt 383 houses, destroyed foodstuff, and looted other items.” Aradong said.

Going further, He expressed appreciation to the state government and security agencies for their swift intervention, calling for a stronger and sustained security presence in the area to help prevent further attacks.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier labeled the attacks as “a coordinated crime sponsored by conflict merchants,” asserting that they were not farmer-herder clashes as commonly portrayed.

Retired Brig.-Gen. Gagji Shipi, Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, a state-run security initiative, also confirmed the incident. According to him, the attack is a serious setback to the state’s ongoing peace efforts and noted that measures were being put in place to avert future occurrences.

Also, Mr. Samuel Jatau, Secretary to the State Government offered condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to helping the affected communities recover.

We are here to see the situation for ourselves and assess the level of destruction. It is heartbreaking that in this day and age, people can be attacked and killed so callously.” He said.