Suspected herdsmen allegedly perpetrated fatal attacks, resulting in the deaths of four individuals in what appears to be renewed violence targeting two villages within the Miango district of Bassa Local Government Area in Plateau State.
According to Davidson Malison, the National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Development Association, assailants launched an assault on Nkienzha community in the Miango district of Rigwe Chiefdom during the early hours of Monday.
The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals, while one person sustained severe injuries from machete wounds and is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
The fourth fatality occurred in a separate attack on Teegbe village on Saturday night. Additionally, an incident of car ambush transpired on Friday, resulting in the burning of the vehicle and injuries to one person.
The leadership of the Rigwe nation, represented by both the traditional council and development association, condemned the resurgence of attacks and killings as cruel and barbaric.
The paramount ruler of Rigwe Chiefdom, Reverend Ronku Aka, and the President of the Irigwe Development Association, Robert Ashi, are urging security agencies to ensure the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators responsible for the heinous crime.
Plateau State has witnessed a surge in violence perpetrated by ruthless attackers, with over 200 casualties reported during Christmas Eve assaults in the Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas. Numerous residences and agricultural lands were also set ablaze during the overnight onslaughts, resulting in numerous injuries.
The violence persisted into the new year, with assailants killing over 30 individuals and setting fire to numerous homes in Kwahaslalek village, located in the Mangu Local Government Area, in January.
In response to the escalating violence, Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed a curfew in the affected Local Government Area, which was subsequently lifted.