The Special Task Force (STF) on Friday announced that it killed 20 of the gunmen who on Thursday launched an attack on some communities in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing 28 residents.
Speaking in Jos, Plateau State, STF spokesman, Capt. Salisu Mustapha said the gunmen killed 28 persons in Magama, Bongong and Karkashi communities, while the STF killed 20 of them in a gun duel that lasted several hours. He said that many other assailants sustained gunshot wounds and were arrested by the STF.
According to him, some motorcycles, weapons and ammunition were also recovered. He added that he suspected that the attackers were Fulani herdsmen and that they withdrew toward Yamini, Yelwa-Shendam and Agikamai villages in Shendam Local Government Area after the attack.
Stressing that the situation had been brought under control following the deployment of more troops to the area, he said “STF personnel are conducting a robust patrol to guard against further attacks on innocent persons,” while advising the people to go about their normal businesses as calm had returned.
He warned residents of the state against further provocation, saying the security forces in the state would take on anyone who wanted to cause troubles.
“Individuals or groups of persons that have made themselves the enemies of the people will be treated as such because we shall fish them out and deal with them,” he threatened.
His warning is coming at a period Chairman of Langtang South Local Government, Mr Naanman Darko claimed that more than 6, 000 displaced persons were taking refuge at the local government headquarters in Mabudi
“In fact, more people are still trooping into the secretariat following rumours that more attacks are underway. The local government has been making arrangements to provide relief materials to the displaced persons.
“We have also reached out to the State Emergency Management Agency and had been assured that assistance is already underway,” he said.
It can be recalled that states in the country have been complaining endlessly about the activities of Fulani herdsmen who attack communities killing the residents, destroying their properties and, in some cases, raping their women at every opportunity.
