20 Killed by Unknown Gunmen in Plateau Attack

Unknown gunmen suspected to be the armed Fulani Militias in the early hours of Monday killed 20 people in some communities in the troubled Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State.

The gunmen reportedly arrived Zakupwang village in Fan district at 12:00am on Monday and attacked the surprised villagers.

Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, had set up a 14-man committee, seven each from the Berom and Fulani communities, to reconcile the Berom farmers and Fulani herdsmen as part of his peace initiative.

The lawmaker representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Istifanus Gyang, confirmed the killing in a statement made available to journalists on Monday.

Gyang said, “We have received with shock the Killings of 20 persons in early hours of yesterday through violent attacks on seven villages in Barkin-Ladi local government area.

“The renewed attacks are least expected at a time when concerted peace efforts and dialogue meetings are ongoing between Berom and Fulani stakeholders.”

The joint military task force operating in the area has however not confirmed the attack.