by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
PLATTEAU STATE: An attack at Gidan Ado, in Ganawuri Chiefdom of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, has killed a pregnant woman and 14 others.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, 22nd December 2024 around 7 pm – barely twenty-four hours after an enlarged security meeting convened by authorities of Riyom Local Government with all heads of the security agencies and the Traditional Council – to ensure a hitch-free Christmas celebration across the Council Area.
Chairman of Riyom Local Government, Sati Shuwa, who visited the affected community alongside his Management team, condemned the attacks and described it as unfortunate and unacceptable at a time when the government is assiduously working to restore peace in the State.
While conveying condolences of the Local Government Council, the chairman decried the continuous unprovoked attacks on innocent citizens across communities in the Local Government Area.
Sati Shuwa called on the military and other security agencies in the area to activate speedy investigations to unravel the incident, arrest and bring those responsible to face the law, as he maintained that “criminal elements must not be allowed to continue their reign of terror in communities.”
He assured the people that his administration will join forces with the security agencies to uproot the criminals from their hideout, and anyone found to be aiding and abetting criminality in the local government area will be dealt with, in accordance with the law.
He also advised the communities to be vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies nearest to them.
The chairman appreciated the Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, and other security heads in the State for their quick response and visit to the scene of the incident.
The Chairman and his Management Team were also at the Palace of the Ata Atten of Ganawuri to condole with the monarch over the sad event that has claimed the lives of his subjects.
While narrating their ordeals, the National President of the Atten Development Association, Clement Chup, and the National President of the Irigwe Youth Movement, Ezekiel Peter, both appreciated the Executive Chairman and his Management Team for coming to condole with them.
They all expressed sadness over the violent and unprovoked attacks, which they described as shocking, coming after a period of relative peace and also when people were preparing for the Christmas celebration. The fifteen victims have since been buried.