Pastor, His Wife And Three Kids Killed, 95 Houses Burnt In Fresh Plateau Attack

Pastor, His Wife And Three Kids Killed, 95 Houses Burnt In Fresh Plateau Attack

Not less than eight persons were killed and 95 houses burnt in the early hours of Wednesday morning when suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked churches and houses in Abonong and Zayit communities in Foron district of Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau.

The state police spokesperson, Tyopev Terna, said the incident occurred at about 6 a.m, adding that 310 cows were also rustled while three other persons were severely injured during the attacks.

His words: “At about 6: A.M., the Plateau State Police Command, Jos received an information that some communities in Foron District of Barkin Ladi LGA namely; Abonong and Zayit were under attack by unknown gunmen.”

“The command quickly mobilised to the communities. While the police were approaching the areas, the attackers sighted them from afar and ran away from the scene of crime.

“As a result of the attack, Eight (8) persons lost their lives, three (3) people were injured, ninety five (95) houses were burnt down and three hundred and ten (310) Cattle were stolen.”

The incident is coming barely a day after the Northern Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held a two-day conference in Jos on how to find solutions to the crises bedevilling the region, especially the farmers/herders conflict.

The Punch reports that during one of the attacks, a pastor of the Church of Christ in Nations, Rev. Adamu Gyang Wurim, his wife and three children were killed.

The assailants were said to have set the branch of COCIN church in Abonong village, Foron district on fire.

The cleric and his children were said to have been burnt beyond recognition in his bedroom while his wife was shot in the bathroom.

A source said: “The attackers armed with machetes and AK47 rifles stormed the village at about 8pm on Tuesday, shooting sporadically and burning houses including part of the reverend’s house.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Berom Youth Movement (Foron Branch), Thomas Tsok, said:

“The herdsmen first shot at two young men walking out of the village where they had gone to charge their phones at the pastor’s house, killing one and wounding the other.”