86 people have been killed in a major attack on some villages in Nigeria’s Plateau state.
11 villages were affected by the attack carried out by Fulani herdsmen. Over 50 houses were also torched.
Police in Plateau State confirmed the attack on Sunday. But some residents according to local media fear the death toll could be more than 86.
Why the attack?
There are indications the attack was a retaliatory move by the herdsmen.
Last week some of them were killed in an attack by ethnic Berom farmers.
Locals in most of Nigeria’s states have for years engaged in clashes with Fulani herdsmen.
The clashes are largely over lands and destruction of farmlands by cattle belonging to the herdsmen.
Details of the attack
Police spokesman in Plateau State Matthias Tyopev, said in a statement that “86 persons altogether were killed, six people injured, 50 houses burnt, 15 motorcycles and two motor vehicles also burnt.”
He said “The team also carried out a detailed deployment. Corpses were released to the families for burial.”
There were reports of some soldiers dying in the attack, but that has been denied by the Nigerian Army.
The state’s governor Simon Lalong says efforts are ongoing “to secure the affected communities and fish out perpetrators of these crimes”.
“While we pray for God’s guidance through this difficult time, we will do everything humanly possible to secure our state immediately,” he said.
Buhari’s reaction
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed regret over the killings.
He wrote on twitter that “The grievous loss of lives and property arising from the killing in Plateau today is painful and regrettable.
We will not rest until all murderers and criminal elements and their sponsors are incapacitated and brought to justice.’’
The grievous loss of lives & property arising from the killings in Plateau today is painful and regrettable. My deepest condolences to the affected communities. We will not rest until all murderers and criminal elements and their sponsors are incapacitated and brought to justice.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) June 24, 2018
The Nigerian President has come under a lot of pressure recently over the security in parts of the country.
This year President Buhari toured some areas hit by such clashes including the Benue state.
Largely this insecurity has been because of the clashes between herdsmen and local farmers.
More than 100 people have been killed this year alone, causing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes
Source: Africafeeds.com
