Seven die as gunmen invade Plateau community

Seven persons have been killed after gunmen attacked the Georo community in the Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday night.

The attackers, who invaded the community at about 10:20 pm, reportedly opened fire sporadically, shooting victims in their shops and at a local restaurant.

A member of the community, Mr Bot Silas, who confirmed the incident to PUNCH Metro in Jos on Monday, said the sudden attack threw residents into panic.

“The gunmen arrived in the community at about 10:20pm and started shooting sporadically. Some of the victims were killed in their shops, while others were attacked at a local restaurant where food was being prepared,” Silas said.

“Seven persons were killed in the attack, and the incident caused serious panic among residents. The attackers came at night and started shooting, forcing residents to scamper for safety,” he added.

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Reacting to the incident, the spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, BYM, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the attack and described it as unacceptable.

“The killing of innocent people in Georo is condemnable and must not be allowed to continue. We call on the relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that residents can live and carry out their legitimate activities without fear,” Tengwong said.

He also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and apprehend those responsible.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies were yet to issue an official statement on the attack.

When contacted, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not readily available to speak on the incident, as his phone indicated that it was switched off.