Over 200 killed in attacks by herdsmen on Plateau communities – Lawmaker

The Chairman of the Public Accounts and Petitions Committee of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Barkin Ladi, Peter Gyendeng, on Sunday said over 200 persons were killed in the attack on 11 communities in Plateau State between Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

Gyendeng said this in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday.

He described the attack on the communities as “a declaration of war” on his constituency.

Communities attacked included Xland, Gindin Akwati, Ruku, Nghar, Kura Falls and Kakuruk in Gashish District.

Other areas affected by the attack included Rakok, Kok and Razat in Ropp District.

Gyendeng told The PUNCH: “As a matter of fact, the casualty rate is in hundreds; it is more than 100.

“In one place, it is above 51; in another, over 32 and yet in another area, it is same.

“For now, based on what we have on ground and the corpses that we have been receiving, it is probably over 200 casualties.

“Altogether, about 11 villages were attacked and our people are there now trying to ascertain the number of deaths.

“The casualty rate is above 200 and counting (of the corpses) is still going on.

“This is war, it is a declaration of war on my people.

“War has been declared on Barkin Ladi LGA completely.

“There are mercenaries that have been hired to come and kill people in Barkin Ladi LGA.

“The killing started around 11pm last (Saturday) night till this (Sunday) morning.

“And the killing still continues.”