The District Head of Foron in Barkin Ladi local government of Plateau state, Bulus Chuwang Jang, has been killed by gunmen.
The sad development coincides with a similar incident in Benue where five persons have been killed gunmen suspected to be herders.
Chairman of Berom Youth Moulders in neighbouring Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA, Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the Plateau incident in Jos Tuesday, said the paramount ruler was killed by gunmen who attacked the community on Monday evening.
He said, “We just lost one of our paramount rulers in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area through an attack by gunmen. He is the Acting District Head of Foron, Da Bulus Chuwang Jang. He was shot dead in the evening yesterday (Monday)by some gunmen around Shen community.”
Deputy leader, Barkin Ladi Legislative Council, Pam Chollom, who also confirmed the killing of the traditional ruler said the council had summoned an emergency meeting over the incident.
“Yes, it is true that one of our traditional rulers has been killed in an attack by gunmen. It is very unfortunate and we condemn the incident. Right now, we are currently meeting over the incident as legislators. I will let you know our stand after the meeting,” he said.
Spokesman Plateau state police command, Ubah Ogaba, said the incident had been reported to the command, adding that the state commissioner of police had deployed detectives in the council area to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing of the monarch and apprehend those behind the act.
Ogaba said, “We are aware of the killing of the traditional ruler by unknown gunmen, and investigation into the incident has commenced.”
“Already, the CP has deployed some officers in the area to investigate the matter and we are hopeful that those who perpetrated the acts would be fished out and punished accordingly.”
In Benue, no fewer than five persons were reported killed when suspected herders attacked Tse Apera village in Nzorov District of Guma local government area of state.
Nzorov District is Governor Samuel Ortom’s ancestral homeland.
A native of the area who simply identified himself as Tertsea Ator, told newsmen Tuesday in Makurdi that the attack, which resulted in the killing of the five persons and injuring of many others took place on Sunday.
Confirming the attack on his people, chairman of Guma local government area Caleb Aba said, five people were killed by the suspected herdsmen, adding that one of the people killed was beheaded with many sustaining injuries.
The council chairman, Mr Aba noted that the attack happened around 5am on Sunday, when armed herdsmen invaded the village (Tse Apera) and shot at the people that came out from their houses.
He added, “and for the people who had not woken up, they knocked at their doors and when they woke up, they were shot at by the invaders. “They killed four persons on the spot and one of them was beheaded while eight others were injured.
“Out of those wounded, six were taken to Teaching Hospital, Makurdi and two to General Hospital in Gbamjimba but one of the injured that were taken to Teaching Hospital died yesterday (Monday) morning.”
The chairman also said he was sure that the attackers were fulani herdsmen.
According to him, when the attackers came, they were talking in their language as they carried out their activities but no house was burnt.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, DSP, Catherine Sewuese Anene who confirmed the attack on the village, however, said that only two people were killed.
According to Anene, ”We recorded an attack on Sunday, two persons died and five injured. I am not aware of beheading any one.”
