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Suspected Militias Claims Eight Lives in Plateau Cummunity
In a tragic incident that has left the community of Adu village of Bassa LGA in shock, suspected militias launched a brutal attack that resulted in the loss of eight lives, including two minors. The horrifying assault took place at approximately 9 pm on Sunday, October 1, 2023, catching most residents off guard as they had retired to the safety of their homes.
Davidson Malison, the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), confirmed this harrowing event in a statement issued on Monday. He described it as yet another heart-wrenching episode of violence and destruction that has plagued Plateau State.
Malison provided a chilling account of the attack, saying, “The gunmen stormed the community at about 2010hrs, positioned themselves, and unleashed a hail of bullets on the unsuspecting victims while they were asleep.” He went on to reveal that within minutes, eight innocent lives were lost, and five others sustained injuries, all of whom are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
The Rigwe Nation, already reeling from the tragedy, finds itself in a state of profound sorrow. Danjuma Avu, a resident of Adu village, shared his traumatic experience, recounting how the attackers opened fire on people gathered at the mini market square. Avu tragically lost two of his own children and six other relatives during the onslaught. He described how the assailants, after attacking those outside, proceeded to enter a building where his children, who were undergoing medical treatment, and two others were shot.
The victims, consisting of five males, one female, and two minors, have been laid to rest in the village cemetery as the community grapples with the unbearable loss. Meanwhile, the injured individuals continue to receive critical medical care at local hospitals.
The incident has left the entire region deeply shaken, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced security measures and a concerted effort to ensure the safety and well-being of the people in Plateau State.
Details have emerged following the meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and prominent Middle Belt leaders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday.
The leaders, who visited the President at the State House, reaffirmed their support for his administration and discussed issues affecting the Middle Belt region, particularly insecurity, national development, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Among those present at the meeting were the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; former Chief of Army Staff, General Ishaya Bamaiyi; and Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas.
Others included businessman Thomas Etuh and Dr Poju Bitrus.
During the meeting, the Middle Belt leaders expressed support for Tinubu’s administration, particularly its efforts to address insecurity and promote development across the country.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, acknowledged improvements in the security situation, while emphasising the need for sustained efforts to tackle the challenges facing communities in the region.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also highlighted efforts to rebuild trust among communities and strengthen peaceful coexistence between people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
The meeting comes amid persistent security concerns in parts of the Middle Belt, particularly Plateau, Benue and other states that have witnessed recurring attacks, communal violence and displacement of residents.
The leaders’ visit also comes at a politically significant time, with political parties and their supporters beginning to intensify activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting is also taking place against the backdrop of President Tinubu’s planned visits to Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, where he is expected to commission projects and participate in political rallies.
As earlier reported by POLITICS NIGERIA, the Presidency announced that Tinubu would depart Abuja on Friday, November 6, for a two-state visit, beginning with Akwa Ibom before proceeding to Rivers State on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu will arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to commission several projects completed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
The projects include the new International Terminal Building, International Airport Hospital and Ibom Aviation Village, all located at the Victor Attah International Airport.
Others are the Airport-Okopedi Road, which connects communities in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas, and Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom.
The President is also expected to commission the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort before attending a political rally in the state.
Governor Eno has declared Friday a work-free day to enable residents and workers to participate in activities marking the President’s visit.
Tinubu is expected to proceed to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday to participate in an All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally.
The rally will be his third since he officially flagged off his re-election campaign in Kaduna State last month.
The planned visits come barely two days after the President returned to Abuja from Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.
Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday and was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Defence, the Inspector-General of Police and other government officials.
During his stay in Saudi Arabia, the President was granted access to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, where he offered prayers for Nigeria and its citizens.
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2027 election in Kaduna State, Usman Shehu Bawa, ABG, has suspended all his campaign activities following the death of three party members in a fatal motor accident.
The victims died on their way home after attending a meeting in Kaduna.
A statement issued by his spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, said the gubernatorial candidate expressed deep sorrow over the death of the party members.
He explained that the inauguration of his campaign council, and other related activities planned for Saturday have been suspended till further notice.
He expressed regret for the inconvenience the suspension may have caused, particularly to individuals invited for the occasion.
The three deceased members are all from Jema’a Local Government Area of the state and are identified as Caleb Ishaya Alot – Secretary of PDP, Jema'a LGA, Mercy Achi – Women leader, Wise Ward and Charity Bahago – member of the PDP, Wise Ward.
According to Shehu ABG, "The incident is a painful loss to the bereaved families and the entire PDP family in the state."
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate families and the people of Jema’a Local Government Area and members of the party in the state over the painful loss.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the accident.
Kaduna PDP guber candidate, Bawa suspends activities over death of party members
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