By Daniel Edu

The Plateau State Police Command has officially verified that 20 individuals lost their lives in two distinct assaults perpetrated by gunmen in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of the state in the early hours of Thursday.

Bartholomew Onyeka, the State Commissioner of Police, made this confirmation through a statement issued on Thursday. The statement, which was endorsed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, also reported the successful rescue of a kidnapped victim during an operation conducted by the state command.

The statement outlined, “On 10/08/2023, at approximately 0500hrs, the Plateau State Police Command was informed by Rwang Danjuma ‘M’, of Heipang District, that between 0200hrs to 0230hrs, unidentified gunmen invaded Tagwam Lawuru Village, where they tragically killed 17 individuals. Following the assault on Tagwam Lawuru village, the attackers proceeded to Layowok Village, claiming the lives of 3 more people. These attacks also resulted in several others sustaining gunshot injuries of varying degrees.”

“In response to the information received, the DPO Barkin Ladi, led a collaborative team of Police officers and personnel from other security agencies, along with members of security aid groups in the State, to reinforce and reinstate normalcy in the affected communities. The injured victims have been receiving treatment at different hospitals where they were promptly transported to.”

“Furthermore, the Command is pleased to report that the DPO Barkin-Ladi and the team, while on Patrol, successfully rescued one Gideon Nweke ‘m’, aged 63 years, of Liberty Boulevards British America Jos. He had been kidnapped along the Riyom-Jos Road on 08/08/2023 around 2100hours while traveling in a Plateau Riders Sharon vehicle from Abuja. The victim was taken to Allah Nakowa Hospital Barkin Ladi for treatment due to injuries sustained from physical assault.”

“The Commissioner of Police and the entire officers and staff of the Nigerian Police Force in Plateau State extend our heartfelt condolences to the communities and families of the victims. We would also like to assure you that we have implemented measures to ensure the apprehension and subsequent prosecution of the perpetrators of these heinous acts.”

“The Command takes this opportunity to issue a stern warning to all criminals and wrongdoers that any form of criminal activity within the State will not be tolerated, and if caught, you will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.”

“To the law-abiding citizens of Plateau State, we encourage you to remain composed and continue your lawful activities, as we are committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property within the State.”

The statement concluded by providing emergency contact numbers for the police control room, urging the public to utilize these numbers in case of emergencies. The provided numbers include 07059473022, 08038907662, 08075391844, and 09053872296.