Less than 24 hours after Governor Caleb Mutfwang ordered security agencies to clamp down on terrorists in Plateau State, gunmen yesterday attacked Angwan Ishaku community in Barkin Ladi Local Government, killing a man and his pregnant wife.
Two other persons also sustained gunshot injuries in the attack, which occurred in the evening.
The victims, Iliya Gyang, 30, and his wife, Grace, 25, were killed barely 48 hours after Governor Mutfwang visited Barkin Ladi and held a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Angwan Ishaku community.
Confirming the incident, the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), led by Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, said the couple were shot by the assailants while the husband was working in front of their residence.
According to the association, Grace died instantly, while her husband, who sustained severe gunshot injuries, later died in hospital while receiving treatment.
In a statement signed by the BYM National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the association condemned what it described as a gruesome attack allegedly carried out by suspected armed Fulani terrorists.
The statement read: “The attackers reportedly arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire on the couple and others around the area, and immediately fled through the road leading towards the Fulani settlements in Fass along the Rakung-Sho Road.
“The deceased woman had only recently stopped breastfeeding their one-year-old twin boys and was pregnant again. The tragic killing of the couple has now left the innocent twins orphaned and devastated their entire family.
“Two other persons also sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, while their health conditions are yet to be confirmed.
“BYM notes with deep concern that this latest attack clearly shows that the terrorists have continued to defy security authorities and are evidently not ready for peace in Plateau State despite ongoing efforts by government and stakeholders to restore calm in the affected communities.
“The association describes this barbaric act as wicked, inhuman and a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity confronting the people of Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities.
“BYM therefore, calls on the military and other security agencies to immediately carry out coordinated operations and raids on the Fulani settlements in Fass and Mahanga to flush out criminal elements and their collaborators hiding within the areas.
“We also call on the Plateau State Government to immediately take steps to cater for the orphaned twins left behind by the deceased couple.”
There have been sustained attacks in Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau State in recent months, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of farmlands.
