Governor Jona Jang
By Seriki Adinoyi
Jos, the Plateau State capital, was again thrown into mourning following the resumed attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Riyom Local Government Area, leading to the death of at least 14 persons.
While the villagers put the casualty figure at 14, the police said they counted six bodies.
Speaking with THISDAY, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Abuh, said it was true that there was an overnight attack on Riyom, adding “we counted six bodies when we visited the scene.”
Abuh said, “at about 7.pm on the 9th of October, 2012, one Dalyop Mancho and Gyang Mancho of the same parents were ambushed along Jol road and shot dead by the gunmen.
“Shortly after that, a woman, Thueung Manpang, with her three children resting in the comfort of their home in Sara village in Ganawuri were also attacked by unknown gunmen and all of them were killed.”
However, the villagers said in Sop village, there was an attack and not less than eight persons were killed.
Abuh said no arrest has been made in connection with the attacks, “but the state police commissioner Emmanuel Dipo Ayeni has deployed armed policemen to the areas to forestall reprisals. At the same time investigation has commenced.”
Member of the House of Representatives representing Barkin Ladi and Riyom constituency while responding to the fresh attack described it as unfortunate and a draw back at a time the state is making every effort to consolidate on the peace already achieved in the state.
He said on hearing of the attack, he immediately left Abuja for Riyom for on-the-spot assessment of the situation and that he was on his way back to Abuja with the report.
A similar attack had left three others dead in Barkin Ladi the previous day.