PLATEAU IS BLOODY: 14 Killed,3 Injured By Underworld Men

Governor Simon Bako Lalong described the incident as an attempt by criminals who do not mean well for the state to take it back to the dark days of insecurity and has ordered security agencies to track down the killers

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the gunmen invaded the community at about 9:34 pm on Sunday, opened fire on the residents at random and succeeded in killing 14 people while 3 sustained injuries before they bolted away.

It was gathered that the unfortunate incident caused apprehension in the entire local government area and the neighbouring Plateau State University Bokkos which was about 15 kilometres away from the scene of the incident.

It was learnt that before men of the Operations Safe Haven could arrive the scene, the gunmen had disappeared into the bush while the remains of those who lost their lives were deposited at the mortuary in Bokos hospital.

Reacting to the latest attack, Governor Simon Bako Lalong expressed fury over Sunday's attack by yet to be identified gunmen on innocent people in Kwatas village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State leading to deaths.

Lalong in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Dr Makut Simon Machan described the attack as yet another attempt by criminals who do not mean well for the State to take it back to the dark days of insecurity that it has substantially overcome.

The Governor while commiserating with victims and families of those killed, directed security agencies to go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime and ensure their arrest and prosecution as the State will no longer tolerate the wanton loss of lives.

He said "my heart again bleeds by this tragedy as lives of innocent citizens are cut short for no reason. Security agencies must go after those who are behind these attacks and their sponsors so they can face the law and be taught a lesson. We do not need another circle of bloodshed in Plateau State as all well-meaning citizens have committed to peaceful coexistence and tolerance. My administration will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed to jeopardize this peaceÔÇØ

The Governor restated his determination to work with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders in strengthening community policing architecture in the State with robust intelligence gathering and early intervention to forestall reoccurrence.

He again called for calm as the government and security agencies will ensure that justice is done to those affected.

The latest attack came few weeks after gunmen suspected to be herdsmen killed 12 people in neighbouring Kulben village in Mangu Local Government Area.

Speaking on the development, former Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Titus Slams who is from the community called on the government to take the present security situation in the state and the country at large serious adding that Nigerians have not seen any seriousness on the part of the government.

Hon. Alams who said security apparatus in the country needs total overhauling enjoined the government especially security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of Kwatas killings.

Meanwhile, when contacted the State Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Ubah Gabriel promised to get back but yet to call as at the time of filing this report.