One dead, other injured as gunmen attack traders in Plateau

One death has been confirmed as Gunmen attacked some traders in a market in Plateau State

According to information gathered, the incident took place on Sunday night in the Heipang neighborhood of the state’s Barkin Local Government Area.

Rwang Tengwong, the national publicity secretary for the Berom Youths Moulders Association, confirmed the death in a statement on Monday and added that another person was shot during the attack.

 He said “The attention of the leadership of the Berom Youth Moulder-Association has been drawn to an unfortunate incident that happened around Heipang District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Sunday 06/08/2023 between the hours of 7 and 8pm.

“The act of criminality where some hoodlums attacked innocent citizens who were returning from the popular Kara cattle market.

“As a result, one Umar Idris was killed while the other victim is said to have sustained gunshot injury and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Barkin Ladi.

“It was also gathered that the community immediately organised its vigilante group who went to the spot where the shooting took place and the hoodlums escaped through the Potato Value Chain Market recently built by the immediate past administration.

Tengwong, who condemned the attack, stated that the killers’ action was unwarranted and unacceptable, especially given that it occurred at a time when the public had put past incidents behind them and was collaborating with the government to ensure a lasting peace in their communities.

He stated, ” According to him, “From reports gathered, a security meeting today (Monday) between the Sector 4 Commander of the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, Col. U.S. Abdulsalam, youths and stakeholders in Heipang, the entire community was also thrown into confusion when the incident happened as innocent persons from Heipang are also among road users.

“The community expressed its commitment during the meeting to support security personnel in its investigation to identify the perpetrators regardless of who they are.

“We condole with the family of the deceased and pray that God grant him eternal rest.

“We equally pray for speedy recovery for the injured and pray that the ugly incident will never repeat itself.”

Alabo Alfred, the Plateau State Police Command’s spokesman, refused requests to comment on the incident when our correspondent called him; his phone line said it was off.