Major Samson Zhakom, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, and DSP Alfred Alabo, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, were not available for comment at the time of the story.
Gunmen attacked people of the Kparenke hamlet in the Miango District, Irigwe Chiefdom of the Bassa local government area of Plateau State on Friday night, resulting in two fatalities and one injured.
Friday Mangwa, 28, Deborah Monday, 40, and Keziah Friday, 20, who is still receiving treatment at an unnamed hospital, are the names of the deceased.
Major Samson Zhakom, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, and DSP Alfred Alabo, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, were not available for comment at the time of the story.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association, IDA, Sam Jugo, confirmed the incident and expressed the chiefdom’s grief.
He said, “At about 10 p.m. on 21st June 2024 when law-abiding people retreated for rest, citizens of the dark world unleashed terror on innocent people, and in their wake, there were two deaths and one injured.
“The event occurred at Kparenke village, between Kpara (Jebbu Miango) and Ariri village. Those killed are Mr. Friday Mangwa, 28 years old, and Mrs. Deborah Monday, 40 years old.
“Mrs. Keziah Friday, 20 years old, sustained severe injuries from multiple bullet wounds and is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital. This news is despicable as it is unfortunate.
“The Rigwe Traditional Council, President and EXCO members of Irigwe Development Association, and indeed the entire Rigwe nation, condemn this act of wanton disregard for human lives and extant laws of nature, and our country.”
He appealed for “calm, restraint, and recourse to civilized and conventional approaches for redress and justice by all,” saying, “We cannot afford to retrogress into the days of bloodletting. The Rigwe nation believes in the sanctity of life. We are one of the most peaceful, law-abiding proponents of peaceful co-existence, and therefore we should be seen promoting this come rain or shine.
Jugo consoles the families of the dead as he states, “We are in this mourning mood together, and therefore we need to stand strong for values that promote peaceful cohabitation and reject those of anarchy and human suffering in all ramifications.”