Over 40 people were killed and about 1,000 displaced in last week’s attack on Hurti, Manguna District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Mr. Maren Aradong, the Village Head of Hurti, said this when Mr Samuel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, led other government officials on an assessment visit to the community on Sunday in Jos, NAN reports.
Recall that on April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in the locality.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang had described the recent attacks and killings in some parts of the state as a coordinated crime sponsored by conflict merchants, and not farmer-herder clashes.
Providing more insight into the incident, Aradong reported that the gunmen also looted foodstuff and other items.
“Last Wednesday, at about 3 p.m., gunmen invaded our communities in their numbers. They came on motorcycles and attacked us.
“In Hurti alone, these gunmen killed more than forty people and displaced about one thousand persons.
“They also burnt 383 houses, destroyed foodstuff, and looted other items,” he said.
Aradong, who thanked the state government and security operatives for their swift intervention, called for the deployment of more security personnel to the affected communities.
Also commenting on the incident after the attack, Retired Brig.-Gen. Gagji Shipi, the Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, a state-owned security outfit confirmed the attack.
Shipi described the incident as a major setback to the peace efforts in Plateau.
According to him, measures were already being taken to forestall future occurrences in the state.
Speaking during the visit, Jatau, who commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones during the attack, called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to also provide support for the displaced persons.
The SSG also condemned the killing of innocent Nigerians and explained that the government delegation was in the community to commiserate with the people.
“It’s unfortunate that, in this era, people could attack and kill innocent citizens and destroy their properties without thinking twice.
“We have seen things for ourselves, and we will report back to the governor. We want to assure the people that they are not alone.”
