IGP, Adamu
By M. Peters – Jos
The Plateau state police command has said the attack carried out by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen on Wednesday night led to the death of 12 people.
However, the member representing Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency in the National Assembly, Solomon Maren, said in a statement that 13 people were killed and four injured.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mathias Tyopev in a statement issued in Jos said, “Today being 09/01/2020 at about 7.30am, the Plateau State Police Command received information that, at about 10.30pm, unknown gunmen suspected to be herdsmen attacked residents of Kulben village in Kombun district of Mangu LGA of Plateau State.
“As the result of the attack, one Klengchin Yusuf and 11 others lost their lives while one person who was critically wounded is receiving treatment at the Mangu General Hospital. On receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Isaac Akinmoyede directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations to lead detectives to the scene of the crime to stop the attack, arrest perpetrators if seen and to restore normalcy in the affected village.
“Meanwhile, investigation in the case is ongoing and the Command solicits for information from members of the public to facilitate early arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of the dastardly act to serve as deterrent to others.”
However, the member representing Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency in the National Assembly, Solomon Maren has expressed sadness at what befell his constituency despite his efforts and those of others to have enduring peace in the constituency.
Maren in a statement issued said, “In yet another deadly blow on our faces as a people and a nation, yet to be identified gunmen on Wednesday evening attacked the peaceful people of Kulben village in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area, killing 13 and wounding at least four. This followed a foiled attack earlier same day at about 10am in neighboring Kon village, where one person was reportedly injured.
“We are indeed saddened by this incident, especially as it comes at the peak of our campaigns for peace, unity and the unconditional release of our constituent, Miss Jennifer Ukambong Samuel who was abducted by Boko Haram on December 22, 2019 in Borno State. These attacks are responsible for the slow social and economic growth in our communities, despite our huge human and capital endowments.
“I am deeply pained. I am however consoled by the fact that some arrests have been made in connection to the attacks. Much as this does not bring back the lives lost, justice if served without fear or favour in line with laid down constitutional provisions will prevent further losses from such attacks. I therefore wish to commend the security agencies for the efforts so far, demanding that thorough investigation is carried out to identify all parties to the attacks.
“I wish to condole with the people of Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, and especially, the families of those affected by this incident. As your representative, I will liaise with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice is done on this matter, and no further threats come your way henceforth. Many cases like this were previously swept under the carpet, but we are learning every day, and expanding our networks with a view to ensure that the right thing is done by all those concerned, for the benefit of the constituency.”
