Plateau killings: Lalong says 10 arrested as over 30 massacred

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on Wednesday confirmed that 10 persons have been arrested in the latest round of killings in the state.

Gunmen on Tuesday night invaded and attacked Yelwan Zangam community, in Jos North Local Government Area of the state, close to the permanent site of the University of Jos, killing about 35 people and injuring several others while setting their houses ablaze.

Lalong, who condemned the fresh attack in a statement issued Wednesday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, warned that those behind the killings would not go unpunished.

The statement read, “Governor Simon Bako Lalong is appalled by yet another isolated attack which took place at Yelwa Zangam village of Jos North Local Government Area on Tuesday night where properties were destroyed and some persons killed.

“The Governor totally condemns this barbaric act and directs security agencies who have already arrested 10 suspects in connection with the attack to intensify efforts in tracking down the other assailants and their sponsors in order to bring them to justice.

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“Lalong is furious over the incident which security reports indicate was carefully planned as the bridge linking the village was said to have been destroyed in order to deny security forces access to the area during the attack.

“He sympathises with the affected people and calls for calm, assuring them that they will get justice.

“Governor Lalong again warns criminals that they will be pursued, arrested and dealt with, no matter how long it takes, as his administration will not allow the reign of terror to persist and rubbish all the investments made in restoring calm in the State.”

It was gathered that the attack occurred at about 9 pm on Tuesday, despite the dusk to dawn curfew imposed on Jos North as well as Jos South and Bassa local government areas of Plateau State.

The attackers reportedly shot sporadically, gunning down fleeing residents and burning some others within their homes.