By Nurat Uthman
Two persons have been killed and one injured as gunmen on Friday night attacked residents of the Kparenke community in the Miango District, Irigwe Chiefdom of the Bassa local government area of Plateau State.
Those killed are identified as Friday Mangwa, 28 years old; Deborah Monday, 40 years old; and Keziah Friday, 20 years old, who is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.
Neither the spokesman of the State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, nor that of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, could be reached for comment as their respective phone numbers were not reachable at the time of the report.
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.
