Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Not less than 201 people have been reported killed within five months in 27 attacks in seven local government areas in Plateau State, Daily Trust reports. The killings occurred between January 19 and June 20. The local governments are Riyom, Bokkos, Jos South, Jos East, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and Mangu. The figure is based on data sourced from reported killings in the state, therefore, the casualty figure may be higher. 

Residents and pundits have expressed worry over the recent killings in the state, recalling similar incidents first recorded in 2001 which dragged on for over a decade and claimed hundreds of lives and property worth billions of naira. They noted that while insecurity climaxed during the administrations of former Governors Joshua Dariye and Jonah Jang, there was a reprieve from 2015 when Simon Bako Lalong took over until around the twilight of his administration when the dark old days of killings resurfaced. 

Yesterday, survivors of the Sunday attack on a few communities in Plateau state's Kanam Local Government Area described what they witnessed and described the assault as horrific and unforgettable. According to reports, they killed both Muslims and Christians. Some of those who contacted with our correspondent yesterday claimed that the assailants, who rode motorcycles, advised women not to panic while they targeted men in the impacted towns. Villages including Kukawa, Gyanbahu, Dungur, and Keram were attacked. Locals, including political and community leaders, stated the attack was well planned because the attackers blocked entry points and destroyed cellphone poles before they went on a killing spree to prevent the victims from calling for help. President Muhammadu Buhari vehemently denounced the incident and vowed that those responsible would not escape punishment.

Yesterday, survivors of the Sunday attack on a few communities in Plateau state's Kanam Local Government Area described what they witnessed and described the assault as horrific and unforgettable. According to reports, they killed both Muslims and Christians. Some of those who contacted with our correspondent yesterday claimed that the assailants, who rode motorcycles, advised women not to panic while they targeted men in the impacted towns. Villages including Kukawa, Gyanbahu, Dungur, and Keram were attacked. Locals, including political and community leaders, stated the attack was well planned because the attackers blocked entry points and destroyed cellphone poles before they went on a killing spree to prevent the victims from calling for help. President Muhammadu Buhari vehemently denounced the incident and vowed that those responsible would not escape punishment.