Gunmen ambush, kill two farmers in Plateau

Two farmers were on Monday killed, while another sustained serious injuries after they were attacked by gunmen suspected to be Fulani terrorists in Takkas community in Fier Ward of Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Terrified residents who spoke with journalists following the invasion of the community said the assailants laid an ambush in the village and attacked the victims while working on their farms on Sunday and Monday.

Also confirming the attack, the member representing Pankshin North Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dewan Gabriel, said one of the victims was killed on Sunday while the second was murdered on Monday evening.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists, Gabriel said that one of the corpses was deposited at the General Hospital, Pankshin, while the other was taken to a Christian hospital in the area.

Condemning the killings, which he described as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable, the lawmaker said the latest attacks have heightened anxiety in the community, with many residents expressing fears over returning to their farms at the peak of the farming season.

“I received with deep shock and sadness the heartbreaking news of the attack on Takkas Community in Fier Ward, Pankshin Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of innocent people and left many families in grief,” he said.

“I strongly condemn this barbaric and senseless act of violence. No community should have to endure such tragedy, and those responsible must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Takkas Community, and the entire Fier Ward. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May Almighty God grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed and comfort all those affected.

“I call on all security agencies to immediately intensify efforts to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous attack and bring them to justice. Our people deserve to live in peace and security.

“As the representative of Pankshin North Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, I will liaise with the relevant security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and to support every effort aimed at preventing a recurrence of such unfortunate incidents.

“I urge our people to remain calm, law-abiding, and to cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may assist in the investigation.

“May God comfort the bereaved, heal the injured, and restore lasting peace to Takkas Community, Fier Ward, and the entirety of Pankshin North,” he added.