Bandits str!ke another Plateau community, k!ll three, !njure two

Bandits strike another Plateau community, kill three, injure two

Armed bandits have once again struck a community in Chakfem Chiefdom of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing three people and injuring two others.

Public Relations Officer of the Mwaghavul Development Association, MDA, Friday Derwam, who confirmed the incident in a telephone chat with with our correspondent on Monday, said the bandits, suspected to be Fulani militias, invaded the Mwar community in the chiefdom between Saturday night and Sunday morning, and also succeeded in rustling cattles belonging to the natives after overpowering the local vigilantes made of up Mwaghavul youths.

The MDA spokesperson said the attack was unprovoked as the heavily armed invaders opened fire on the unsuspecting youths, killing three instantly and wounding two others.

He noted that, contrary to widespread reports that the attack was a reprisal, there was no evidence to suggest that the natives had carried out earlier attacks to warrant a reprisal.

“It’s difficult to know the identities of the cattle rustlers because cattle rustling is an organised crime. All we know is that those killed were Mwaghavul youths. For now, the area is calm,” Derwam said, adding that the incident has been reported to security agencies in the area.

Another resident who also confirmed the attack, said the community is currently deserted as the residents fled for safety.

“The situation is sad while everywhere is tended. The community is deserted as residents have fled to neighbouring villages, unsure when the bandits will strike again.

“Chakfem has become the new haven of attacks by these bandits and we are calling on security agencies to intensify their surveillance in Chakfem,” he said.