Barkin Ladi, Plateau State – In a shocking and devastating incident, suspected gunmen have left a trail of destruction in Heipang village, situated within the Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau state. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 10, at approximately 1:00 am, resulted in the loss of 21 lives and left 13 others critically injured, now undergoing treatment at local hospitals.
Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security taskforce responsible for maintaining peace in the state, confirmed the horrifying incident. Spokesperson Captain Ola James revealed that despite early warning signals of a potential attack, the assailants managed to evade checkpoints and unleashed violence upon the unsuspecting community. Swift action has been taken by deploying troops to the affected area in an effort to restore law and order.
Eyewitnesses shared chilling accounts of the tragedy. John Mark Pam, a key figure within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and brother to one of the victims, recounted the heart-wrenching moment when the attackers descended upon the village, ruthlessly targeting his brother’s family and others. Another family, the Dung Marks, consisting of a young couple and their children, also fell victim to the assault.
This appalling incident marks the second attack on Heipang village within a mere two months. Earlier in June 2023, two villagers lost their lives in a similar act of violence, underscoring the urgency of addressing the escalating security concerns.
Plateau state has witnessed an alarming rise in attacks on villages attributed to herdsmen in recent times, despite the visit of the Chief of Army Staff to the region. During the visit, the army chief had charged his forces with the responsibility of curbing the activities of marauding herdsmen. The persistence of such tragic events highlights the pressing need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the state’s residents.
