In the serene village of Hurti in Plateau State, a nightmare unfolded when gunmen descended upon the unsuspecting residents, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. The village head, Maren Aradong, grimly recounted the harrowing events that transpired on that fateful day.
“Last Wednesday, at about 3:00 p.m., gunmen invaded our communities…they came on motorcycles and attacked us,”
Mr. Aradong solemnly shared with a heavy heart. The attackers showed no mercy as they unleashed terror, claiming the lives of over 40 innocent souls and displacing around 1,000 individuals from their homes.
The violence did not stop at Hurti; neighboring communities like Josho and Daffo also bore the brunt of this senseless aggression. A total of 383 houses were reduced to ashes, food supplies plundered, and essential items looted by these marauding assailants.
As news of the heinous attack spread like wildfire, condemnation echoed across the nation. President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang swiftly denounced the brutality unleashed on the peaceful villagers. Governor Mutfwang went further to label it as a premeditated crime orchestrated by nefarious elements rather than mere farmer-herder clashes.
Amidst the chaos and devastation, Mr. Aradong expressed gratitude for the swift response of state authorities and security forces but stressed the urgent need for enhanced security measures to prevent such atrocities from recurring.
Gagji Shipi, coordinator of Operation Rainbow—a state-owned security outfit—lamented that this incident dealt a severe blow to peace-building efforts in Plateau State. Assurances were given that proactive measures were being implemented to forestall future tragedies.
During a somber visit to console the grieving community members, Secretary to the State Government Samuel Jatau extended heartfelt sympathies to those who lost loved ones in this senseless bloodshed. He implored upon federal authorities to provide assistance for those displaced by the violent onslaught.
“It is unfortunate that in this era…people could attack, kill innocent citizens…without thinking twice,”
remarked Mr. Jatau with a tone tinged with disbelief and sorrow as he surveyed the aftermath of devastation left behind by ruthless invaders.
As relief efforts swung into action, essential supplies such as mattresses, sleeping mats, food provisions including rice and beans, hygiene products like soaps, along with other necessities were distributed among those grappling with displacement and loss.
The tragic events in Plateau serve as yet another grim reminder of Nigeria’s recurring cycle of violence fueled by various factors including land disputes between farmers and herders alongside communal tensions over resource allocation rights. The specter of conflict looms large not only over Plateau but also extends its shadow over states like Kaduna and Benue where similar tragic episodes have unfolded.
In these uncertain times marred by tragedy and turmoil comes an urgent call for solidarity—uniting against violence while nurturing hope for a future where peace reigns supreme.
