Nine killed, houses burnt as gunmen attack Plateau community

Gunmen have killed nine persons and razed six houses in Sabon Gari community in Mangu LGA of  Plateau state.

Speaking with NAN, Jerry Datim, one of the leaders in the community, said the attack occurred on Saturday night.

Datim, who is the national president of the Global Society for Middle Belt Heritage, said a rescue team is still searching for missing people.

“Last night, gunmen attacked my village, Sabon Gari in Mangu, burnt six houses, and destroyed many other properties,” Datim said.

“So far, we have recovered nine dead bodies. We are still searching because some people are still missing.”

Datim commended operatives of Operation Rainbow, a local security outfit in the state, for responding swiftly to the attack.

“I wish to commend men of Operation Rainbow. Their swift response brought the situation under control,” he said.

“We call on the government to support them with necessary logistics for prompt response.”

Asked if residents have deserted the community, Datim said they have resolved to remain and defend their ancestral lands.

James Oya, spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), confirmed the incident.

Oya, who did not confirm the number of deaths, said Abdusalam Abubakar, commander of the operation, is leading troops to the scene of the attack.