6/12/2023 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – Twenty-one people were killed, and several others injured during coordinated attacks by Fulani militants in Plateau State on Sunday.
The affected areas included Rim, Jol, Kwi communities of Riyom; and Gana-Ropp community in the Barkin Ladi local government area.
Two people were killed in Rim village of Riyom, seven killed in Jol, and 11 in Kwi. The Rev. Nichodemus Kim was killed in Gana-Ropp Barkin Ladi.
The attacks on Rim, Jol and Kwi were simultaneously coordinated by the terrorists between 2 and 7 p.m. In Kwi, the community of Hei-gwe was completely burned down and farmlands destroyed.
The communities, especially Rim, Jol and Kwi, have come under severe attack in the last two weeks. Security forces have not been able to halt the killings in Plateau State over the past decade.
“This heinous act of violence has left our local government in deep shock and mourning,” said community leader Sati B. Shuwa, Transition Committee Chairman, RIYOM LGC. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this senseless attack … the safety and security of our local government is of utmost importance to us, and we are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are brought to justice. We will not rest until the perpetrators of this horrific act are held accountable for their actions.”
Shuwa commended the Nigerian Police and others for responding to the area, and government leaders for meeting with victims. He added that the communities were “strong, resilient, and united in the face of adversity. We will not be intimidated by acts of terror, and we will continue to stand together in solidarity.”
Rwang Tengwongj, National Publicity Secretary leader of the Borno Youth Movement (BYM), also condemned the coordinated attacks and other violence that has surfaced in Plateau State since the 2023 general elections.
“We call on the new administration both at the federal and state level to come up with new strategies to address the security situation in the country and particularly in Plateau State,” said Tengwongj,. “Security personnel must also wake up to their statutory responsibility to safeguard lives and property.”
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