The serene Gidan Ado community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria, was shattered by a brutal attack late Sunday night, leaving behind a trail of death, destruction, and displacement. Gunmen stormed the community, leaving fifteen innocent lives tragically extinguished in their wake. The victims, mourned by their families and the entire community, were laid to rest in a mass burial on Monday, a somber testament to the senseless violence that had ripped through their lives. The attack also resulted in the burning of several houses, adding another layer of devastation to the already grieving community. Many others sustained injuries, and an untold number were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge from the terror that had descended upon their village.
News of the attack sent shockwaves through Plateau State, prompting condemnations from government officials and community leaders. Musa Ashoms, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information, expressed his outrage, describing the attack as barbaric and a stark contrast to the peaceful nature of the people of Plateau State. He reiterated the government’s commitment to peace and urged security agencies to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The Commissioner’s words reflected the collective grief and anger of the state, echoing the sentiment that such acts of violence have no place in a society striving for peace and harmony. He offered condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them that the government stood with them in their time of mourning and would work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
A youth leader in the affected community, Song Muru, provided a firsthand account of the horrifying events. He recounted receiving a distress call from Gidan Ado on Sunday evening, reporting a devastating attack by Fulani assailants. Muru immediately alerted the Special Task Force and the police, urging them to intervene and quell the violence. However, by morning, the devastating news of the casualties began to emerge. The initial reports of six lives lost tragically escalated as the search for the missing continued. Ultimately, fifteen bodies were recovered, painting a grim picture of the attack’s brutal aftermath. Muru also detailed the widespread destruction in the community, highlighting the burnt houses and other significant losses suffered by the residents. In his statement, Muru condemned the senseless violence, calling for swift action from the authorities and urging them to provide relief to the victims, particularly the displaced women and children who were left vulnerable and in dire need of assistance.
The Gidan Ado attack serves as a grim reminder of past violence that has plagued Plateau State. It evokes the tragic Christmas Eve violence of the previous year, which similarly left a trail of death and destruction. These recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures and proactive efforts to prevent such tragedies from happening again. The state government and security agencies have acknowledged the gravity of the situation and have taken steps to address the root causes of the violence and enhance security in the region.
In response to the escalating violence, the Plateau State Police Command had previously implemented measures to maintain peace and security within the state. These measures included a ban on night grazing and farming activities, designed to mitigate potential conflicts between farmers and herders. Additionally, security personnel were deployed across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to enhance visibility and deter potential attacks. Furthermore, late-night beer parlours, mining activities, and commercial motorcycles were banned as part of a broader effort to curb criminal activities and maintain order. These measures, implemented following engagements with stakeholders, aimed to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during and after the Christmas festive season. The Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, emphasized the importance of these measures in maintaining peace and security within the state, recognizing the need for proactive and comprehensive strategies to address the complex security challenges facing the region.
At the time of reporting, neither the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, nor the spokesman for the Military Task Force, Major Samson Zhakom, had released official statements regarding the Sunday attack. The absence of official statements may be due to ongoing investigations and efforts to gather accurate information before releasing any public pronouncements. The public awaits updates from these agencies regarding the progress of their investigations and any measures being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The community and the wider public remain anxious for answers and reassurance that such a horrific incident will not be repeated. The expectation is that the authorities will not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also implement long-term strategies to address the root causes of the violence and foster lasting peace in the region.
