A 19-year-old Jude Nicodemus has been reportedly killed while two others sustained severe injury when gunmen stormed Gana Ropp village in Barkin Ladi Local Government area of Plateau State.
It was gathered that the incident happened on the night of Wednesday, December 20.
The Nation reports that this is one of the recent renewed attacks and killings in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos and Mangu by the marauders, who were said to have vowed to create an unconducive atmosphere for the people in the forthcoming Christmas and New Year.
The group urged all security forces, especially Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) led by Maj. Gen. AE Abdulsallam, to intensify efforts in addressing the resurgence of terrorism.
The association also called for the removal of terrorist elements reportedly situated in the hills of Were in Ropp, Barkin Ladi LGA, and various parts of Plateau.
Meanwhile, the BYM’s publicity secretary, Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the incident to The Nation last night, commended the rapid response of Sector 4 Commander, Col. US Abdulsallam, for his swift action that forestalled further casualties in the general area.
The BYM sympathised with families that lost their beloved ones in recent unprovocative attacks and appealed to members of the public to be more vigilant before, during and after the festive season.
The BYM equally appealed for calmness and called on the federal, state and local governments and other relevant bodies to come to the aids (hospital bills) of the deceased’s family and those injured to ameliorate the unwarranted plights they have been plunged into by the inhuman act and ensure restorative justice is served.
The spokesman of Operation Safe Haven, (OPSH), in charge of maintaining peace in Plateau, and part of Kaduna States, Capt. James Oya, confirmed the incident to The Nation this morning on the phone.
Oya said: “I confirmed the incident, it happened, what happened is that the issue would have been a disaster.
“The assailants that came opened fire on those making preparation and also celebrating and doing Christmas Carol at that moment one person was killed.”
He added that by the quick intervention of the troops, the assailants could not continue their mission, saying that one person lost his life and two other persons were injured.
He added that the injured ones had been taken to the hospital for treatment.
However, Oya said three days ago, some bandits and kidnappers were arrested at that axis.
He stated: “As I speak, the Commander informed me that the troops are conducting an aggressive raid in that area at the moment, and to make sure that the perpetrators are brought to book.”
The Nation
