One person has been killed in an attack on the residence of a former Sports Minister, Damishi Sango in Dakwal community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau state. Three other persons were said to have sustained injuries in the attack by suspected fulani herdsmen on Wednesday.
The incident was confirmed by the Liaison Officer to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for Riyom State Constituency, Timothy Dantong.
Datong also said one person was amputated by gunmen who attacked some mourners in Rim community, also in Riyom LGA
He said the mourners were returning from a burial in the neighbouring Bachit community when the gunmen blocked the road and opened fire at them.
Dantong, who was among the mourners said in an interview on Thursday in Jos that he narrowly escaped the attack.
He added that an armoured tank sent by security operatives eventually arrived in the community and rescued him and the stranded mourners
“Yesterday, I went for a burial in my village in Bachit. While retiring, there was an attack by gunmen in the neighbouring Rim community and we were advised to stop on the way because we had to pass through Rim.
“So, we were forced to stay there for more than five hours for the road to clear and some people who couldn’t wait and wanted to cross the road were shot on the way by the gunmen, whom we know as the Fulani militia”, Dantong said.
According to him, “One youth was shot and his hand was amputated completely. It was an armoured tank that eventually came to our rescue and evacuated us on the road where we were stranded.
“Even this morning (Thursday), the gunmen came out again and blocked the road at Wereng community and attacked some villagers on a bike.
“So, I don’t know what the Fulani militia wants from our people. My village is under siege because they are caged in a place where they can’t come out.”
The governor’s aide also confirmed an attack by gunmen at the country home of a former Minister of Sports, Damishi Sango, in Riyom community
He said, “I also heard about the former minister’s attack by gunmen at his house in Dakwal and I felt sorry because it can’t be any different from the same Fulani militia terrorising communities in our state.
“I learnt the former minister is safe but one woman was killed in the house during the attack and his security who was injured, is in the hospital as we speak.
“But thank God, the former minister was inside and they couldn’t get to him. We thank God for his safety.”
Dantong called on the security agents to intensify efforts against the attackers to stop them from carrying out their agenda on innocent citizens and communities in the state.
Spokesman for the state police command, Alabo Alfred, did respond to telephone calls when contacted.
Bandits attack ex-minister’s residence, kill one, injure three
