Christians Under Attack

The Sunday night attacks took place in Farin Lamba in Riyom Local Government Area, and in Fan, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, about 25 kilometres south of Jos.

The attackers were said to have used both guns and machetes. They killed eight people, including a woman and her daughter. Several others sustained injuries as they attempted to flee from their homes that were ambushed by the invaders.

The attacks on the two villages were the fifth in two weeks, with the death toll adding up to 34 within the period.

Task Force collaboration

This has caused renewed tension in the state as demonstrations were staged Monday in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area by women who are calling for the removal of men of the Special Military Task Force (STF) from their midst.

According to one of the victims receiving treatment at the Vom Christian Hospital, Bulus Pam, the attackers first met four of them who were part of a vigilante group. Instead of identifying themselves as requested by the vigilante group, they opened fire on them, killing three in the process while Mr Pam managed to escape with bullet wounds. According to the survivor, some of the attackers were wearing bullet proof vests, similar to those worn by men of the military task force. Mr Pam also claimed that because of the moonlight, they were able to sight a patrol vehicle of the STF parked far off.

As at 1:30 pm Monday, women protests in Vom were taking another dimension as the women surged towards the men of the STF led by their commander, Hassan Umaru, a Brigadier General. Intense firing into the air by men of the STF failed to save the situation as the women appeared determined to achieve their goal once and for all.

As at press time, the STF spokesman, Charles Ekeocha said the official position of the task force on the matter was still being put together. The Plateau State government was yet to issue a statement on the development which many fear can spark off sentiments, agitations, and emotions that will snowball in to a fresh round of catch-all hostilities.

However, the state Police Commissioner, Mr Abdurrahman Akano said according to the report that came to them, some people in military uniform went to Farin Lamba near Kaduna Vom between 8 to 9 pm Sunday, attacked and killed five people and left in a Hilux van.

As a result, the women came out this morning demonstrating against the presence of the Military, as they matched to and destroyed the military security tent leading to six of the women being injured in the ensuing scuffle.

"You see, we the security have not failed. But whenever we are doing something, some people some where are trying to take us back. Just the day before yesterday, we received a report that over 100 cows belonging to Fulanis were stolen and what we are seeing today is a reprisal attack", he said.

 

 

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