Plateau attack: Tears, anger as eight victims laid to rest

n n

By Golok Nanmwa, JOS

n

Eight victims of the recent attack on Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State were buried on Tuesday amid tears, grief, and renewed demands for an end to repeated killings in the state.

n

The victims were buried on Monday evening in an emotional ceremony attended by family members, community leaders, religious leaders and sympathisers, who mourned the loss of their loved ones killed by gunmen during the attack on the community.

n

More than 15 persons were reportedly injured in the attack, which has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Plateau State.

n

Speaking during the burial, former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Hon. Peter Gyendeng, lamented the recurring attacks on communities in the state, saying residents had become weary of the continuous loss of lives.

n

“We are sick and tired of being killed. We have been living in peace and have tried everything humanly possible not to engage anybody.”

n

“We have never crossed into another community to attack anyone, yet these things continue to happen to us on a daily basis,” he said.

n

The former lawmaker expressed frustration over what he described as the failure to halt the cycle of violence despite the peaceful disposition of affected communities.

n

“It is painful. People stay in their communities and somebody comes to attack and kill them. You cannot even celebrate one good thing without fear. For how long will people continue to live this kind of life?” he asked.

n

Gyendeng called on security agencies and government authorities to take urgent steps to halt the attacks and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

n

Also reacting, the member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ishaya David Lalu, expressed deep sorrow over the killings in Foron and other recent attacks in Plateau State.

n

Lalu described the incidents as painful, heartbreaking and unacceptable, stressing that no community should be forced to live under fear and violence.

n

“I am deeply saddened by the continuous loss of innocent lives in our communities.”

n

“These attacks are not only cruel but also a direct assault on our shared humanity and peaceful coexistence as a people,” he said.

n

The federal lawmaker urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and bring perpetrators of the attacks to justice.

n

Meanwhile, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri described the security situation in the area as alarming, warning that many rural communities remained vulnerable to attacks due to inadequate security presence.

n

According to him, residents largely depend on local vigilante groups that are poorly equipped to confront heavily armed attackers.

n

He called on the federal government to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable communities, warning that failure to act could expose residents to further attacks.

n

Mwantiri expressed concern over what he termed a “conspiracy of silence” in the face of repeated attacks on indigenous communities, urging authorities to strengthen security architecture and provide local residents with the necessary support to protect their communities within the ambit of the law.

n

He also appealed to the federal government to seek international collaboration and support in tackling insecurity and terrorism in affected areas.

n n