Gunmen killed 10 people and injured 19 others during a cultural festival in the Chando Zerreci community in the Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Lawrence Zango, National Publicity Secretary for the Irigwe Youth Movement, revealed this in a statement Sunday in Jos, the plateau state capital.
Zango said the criminals launched the attack on Saturday night during the annual ritual festival of ‘Zerreci’, which usually marks the Plateau community’s start of the new agricultural season.
Mr. Zongo, who condemned the act as “sad and unfortunate,” added that the injured are currently receiving treatment at the Enos Miango Hospital.
He called on government at all levels and security agencies to find a lasting solution to the relentless attacks that often lead to loss of life and property.
“The government has a responsibility to promote and protect human rights, including the right to life, and a duty to protect civilians from attack by taking effective measures to prevent and deter attacks against our people,” he said.
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“The government must urgently investigate the attack on Irigwe land and bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure families and other victims receive adequate compensation.
“The brutal attacks on our communities are becoming rampant and frequent and this is unacceptable.
“The government must take more concrete steps to protect lives and property in the Iregwe chiefdom and neighboring communities.”
Mr. Zango also called on the international community to come to the people’s aid and support and address the enormous humanitarian challenges caused by the attacks.
Ubah Ogaba, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Plateau State Police command in the state, confirmed the attack, adding that the command had mobilized armed officers to the scene to restore normalcy.
Mr. Ogaba, Assistant Superintendent of Police, called on residents of the area and Plateau in general to remain calm and respect the law, adding that security agencies are working seriously to ensure their safety.
(YAYA)