The pre-dawn attack on some communities in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State has had its casualty figures reach 48, made up of 28 natives and 20 insurgents killed in a cross-fire with soldiers.
This was disclosed by the Media Officer of the Special Task Force, Capt. Salisu Mustapha in a statement he released on Friday afternoon in the state capital, Jos.
Mustapha said, “At about 1 am on Thursday, some suspected Fulani gunmen stormed and attacked Magama, Bongong and Karkashi villages of Langtang South, killing about 28 persons. STF personnel went to the scene to bring the situation under control but the gunmen engaged them in a gun duel that lasted several hours.
“In the process, about 20 of the assailants were killed while some, who sustained gunshot injuries, were arrested. Some motorcycles and weapons were also recovered.”
The STF spokesman said the attackers thereafter beat a retreat to Yamini, Yelwa Shendam and Agikamai villages.
However, the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Olakpe, gave contradictory figures, saying only 10 people had been killed while four others sustained injuries in the mayhem.
Olakpe, in an interview with our correspondent in Jos on Friday, said that when the dust settled, he got a report that more victims had been recovered. He, however, said he had yet to get the full brief from his men on ground.
However, Olakpe, who lamented the proliferation of arms in those areas, said that a special task force would be set up to mop up arms in the southern Plateau.
The commissioner warned that any person found with unauthorised weapon would be prosecuted, reminding them that the ban on the possession and use of arms was still in force.
Meanwhile, the community has raised a fresh alarm that more insurgents had arrived Yelwa Shendam and were planning to move to Sabongida and Mabudi, the headquarters of Langtang South. The terrorists were said to have arrived in the area with sophisticated weapons.
Executive Director of Stefanos Foundation, Mr. Mark Lipdo, said he was informed by some residents, who were already fleeing their houses.
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