Varsity student, 14 others killed in Plateau fresh attack

At least 15 persons were killed on Thursday in two communities of Bokkos and Mangu local government areas of Plateau State, including a 200 Level Computer Science student of the Plateau State University Bokkos. 

Sources told Daily Trust Saturday that the attack took place in Tilengpat and Butura communities of the LGA while the residents were sleeping, adding that the gunmen attacked the affected areas around 9pm on Thursday and started shooting sporadically.

Although security agencies are yet to respond to inquiries about the attack, spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, stated that they will investigate the matter.

A statement signed by Yakubu Ayuba, the Registrar of the institution, while confirming the killing of the student, described it as heartless and called on security agencies to take drastic measures to prevent such incidents.

“The sad event led to the loss of a 200-level Computer Science student of the university residing in Chikam, named Dading James Jordan. This is despite the relentless efforts by the Plateau State government, security agencies, the management of the university, and other stakeholders to improve the security situation on our campus and the surrounding communities. 

“Unfortunately, the enemies of the university and the state brought about this dastardly attack, leading to the loss of our dear student,” he added.

Sources from the community also told our correspondent that the killing of the student prompted serious protests by students of the university, but the angry students were dispersed by personnel of Operation Safe Haven maintaining peace in the areas.

The protests and rising tension forced the university’s management to shutdown the institution.

It would be recalled that on Sunday late week, similar attack was launched in two communities of Mangu and Bokkos LGAs were three people were killed.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga, has visited the troubled areas to assess the situation.

Reacting, Governor Caleb Mutfwang appealed for calm, saying security agencies were working to restore normalcy.

Mutfwang urged the people to remain calm in the face of the tragedy as his administration was determined to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the heinous acts.

He stressed the importance of collaboration among the university management, students, community leaders, and security agencies for enhanced security and the safety of everyone in the area.

He commended the swift response of security agencies to the violent incident, and encouraged them to remain steadfast in fulfilling their constitutional duty to protect innocent citizens