Map of Plateau State used to demonstrate the story.
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two people at Miango, Bassa local government area but denied knowledge of the attack on the Member representing Jos North/Bassa federal constituency in the National Assembly, Musa Avia.
It was gathered that the lawmaker who just won a bye-election conducted in February 2022 was with his family members and some aides when his convoy was attacked within the vicinity of twin hills in Miango on Tuesday night.
Although he and his family escaped unhurt, the vehicle they traveled in was badly damaged by gunshots while two others who were parts of the convoy lost their lives.
The State Police Command through its Public Relations Officer, ASP Gabriel Uba told this medium on phone, “We are aware that two persons were shot and killed by gunmen, for the man that was attacked, it was not reported to us. I am not aware of that at the moment.”
But the National leadership of the Irigwe Development Association, IDA, an umbrella body of the Irigwe people of Bassa said the attack took place; they also gave the names of the victims.
The body said the lawmaker was on a thank-you tour and was returning to his village when the incident happened.
Davidson Malison, the National Publicity Secretary, IDA explained that apart from the two killed, another attack took place in another part of the Chiefdom leading to the death of a person.
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He said, “The National Leadership of Irigwe Development Association (IDA) is saddened following the unfortunate ambush and an assassination attempt on the Member representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Musa Agah Avia, his wife, two kids, aides and political associates by Fulani militia yesterday night along Twin Hill road, Miango.
“This is the height of it all, and it has clearly shown and indicated the agenda of the marauders who at all cost and by all means are against anything good from the land, and are injecting all efforts in putting down destructive tools to mow it down.
“This has again revealed the worrisome, perturbing, and disheartening level our security system has become where the safety of lives of people is no longer guaranteed and secured. A sign that terrorists, hoodlums, and criminal elements are gradually taking over the nation and her territories.
“To say a federal lawmaker has ambushed means that the Nigerian State has turned to anarchy and completely a failed nation… This saddest development has gone beyond mere condemnation, words of consolation and condolences, expression of sadness, and call for a truce because it is crystal clear, the quest of the terrorists on Rigwe land…
“It is no doubt that the attack was a calculated one and a continued plan to include in their grand scheme, the complete annihilation of illustrious and eminent sons of the land just like it was done on the District Head of Miango, HR Daniel Chega, and his people along with 3rd Armoured Division on the 5th of July, 2021 where they narrowly escaped but were wounded.”
He further stated that “The National leadership of IDA with the loudest voice call on the security personnel to immediately swift into action by apprehending the leadership of Miyetti Allah and Ardos before the so-called investigation is made. The leadership is also calling and drawing the attention of the Inspector General Of Police to as a matter of utmost importance, install and institute a Police Mobile Barracks at Twin Hill to forestall further occurrences.
“The leadership gives God the glory that the Hon Member, his family members, and his aides survived the attack, but cannot shy from the traumatic condition they have been confined to.
“Regrettably, two people on a bike who were ahead of the Hon Member’s convoy first encountered the ambush and were senselessly and inhumanly killed by the marauders. Again, another man was ambushed at La’ake Village, he was taken to the hospital for treatment, but because of the severity of the injuries sustained, he gave up the ghost…”
Those killed, he noted are Timothy Weyi, Naomi Bitrus, and Zere Abba.
Meanwhile, the State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the attack as its Publicity Secretary, John Akans said it shows that Plateau people are in danger.
It was also gathered that the two people killed, were a youth leader and a women leader of the Party in a Ward in Bassa.
Akans stressed, “It is said that nowhere is safe in our state, we are all living in hell,” and flayed as “inexcusable, the failure of the APC led Government to act upon early danger signs and threats by taking cautionary measures that could have averted the killings, particularly in the state.”
