11 killed, 6 injured in Plateau community in overnight terror attack

No less than 11 people were killed and six others injured in an overnight attack on Maikatako community of Butura district in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

PRESSINFORMAT gathered that the attackers were suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The assailants reportedly burnt down four houses when they stormed the community around 11 pm Tuesday night and started shooting sporadically after overwhelming the vigilantes on patrol.

It was also revealed that nine of the victims were said to have been burnt beyond recognition in a compound that was razed completely while others were found in the morning around the bush.

According to a member of the affected community, the unprovoked attack started after the weekly Monday market when a boy was shot at the hilltop, a community about a kilometre from Maikatako.

The shooting incident led to tension around the community on Tuesday even as the vigilante made effort to repel the attackers after observing strange movements and calling security agencies.

Confirming the attack, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, said, “Yes the command is aware of an incident in Maikatako, but the details are sketchy. I will surely update you, as soon as I’m fully updated by our DOP in the area.”

In the meantime, Governor Simon Lalong has ordered security forces to go after terrorists who attacked Maikatako village in Bokkos Local Government Area leading to the death of 11 persons.

Lalong who condemned the attack said the killers must be fished out and brought to justice for the dastardly act.

The governor further stated that the rising incidences of attacks and destruction of farm crops, livestock and other properties within the general Bokkos area are becoming worrisome and must be checked immediately.

While sympathising with the families of the victims, the governor reiterated that his administration will not allow terrorists and bandits to take a foothold in any part of the state as all security agencies have been directed to be firm and hard on any person or groups behind the criminal acts.

He again appealed to communities to always be security conscious and report any suspicious movements to security agencies for immediate action, particularly during the forthcoming Yuletide season.