Gunmen kill 14 including pregnant woman, baby in Plateau community

Gunmen suspected to be militia have reportedly killed 14 people, including a pregnant woman and a baby, while scores of others were injured in a fresh attack an Irigwe community in Gidan Ado area of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Community Development Association (IDA), Sam Jugo, the attack occured on Sunday night a few hours after a peace meeting was held to forestall such incidents heading into the Yuletide season.

Jugo who spoke to journalists in Jos on Tuesday, said the unprovoked attack has devasted the community, adding that the attack has been reported the operatives of Operation Safe Haven, a multi security task force maintaining peace in the state.

In a statement titled ‘Very dark Christmas: Irigwe Youths Movement condemns brutal massacre of 14 Irigwe people at Ari Doh, Riyom LGA’, Jugo said:

“The Irigwe Youth Movement is outraged and deeply saddened by the gruesome massacre of 14 innocent Irigwe people, including a pregnant woman and a one-year-old baby, at Ari Doh of Ganawuri, Riyom Local Government Area, on December 22, 2024.

“This heinous atrocity was perpetrated by a combined operation of Fulani militias and security personnel attached to the Ari Doh Checkpoint, Sector 6.

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“The movement strongly condemns this brutal attack, which has left three others severely injured and hospitalized at undisclosed hospitals. We demand justice for our people and call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the security personnel and other accomplice involved in this atrocity.

“The attack took place two days after the police command had deployed officers to five local government areas of the state ahead of Christmas and New year celebrations, including Riyom where the latest attack took place.

“Our hearts bleed for the demise of our kinsmen whom we hoped to spend this yuletide together with but their lives were cut short,” he stated.

“We commend the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army, who also doubles as Commander Operation Safe Haven Plateau State, Maj. Gen. AE Abdusalam for visiting the scene and condoling with our people. However, we demand more than condolences; we demand justice.”

While appealing for restraint on their side, he said that the leadership of Irigwe Development Association hoped that the security agencies would do the needful to nip probable reoccurrence and/or reprisals in future.

“The Irigwe Youth Movement remains committed to peace and lawfulness, but we will not hesitate to defend ourselves against those who masquerade as our protectors.

“We urge the government to take immediate action to address our demands and ensure justice for our people,” Jugo added.

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