Bandits kill one, kidnap monarch in Plateau communities

Following an attack on Monday, by bandits in Jannaret Town, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, one person was confirmed dead  while two others sustained injuries.

Also in a separate attack in Pankshin LGA, the ruler of Tal Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Nanleng Gotus, had also been kidnapped by bandits.

It was gathered that the deceased in Mangu LGA, identified as Mapack Linus and the two injured victims were shot by the bandits when they opened fire on the residents after arriving the community on Sunday night.

A resident of Jannaret town, Yusuf Charles, confirmed the attack to The PUNCH in Jos, on Monday.

According to Charles, “It was on Sunday night that bandits arrived Jannaret Town, around 7:30pm and just opened fire on people in the community.

“From what we got to know, the bandits were targeting leaders of vigilante groups who they believed were frustrating their nefarious activities. Fortunately, the vigilante leaders who used to visit the affected spot in the community were not present when the bandits opened fire at the spot but their friends were there .

“Sadly, the bullet fired by the bandits hit three persons, one of them died on the spot while two others sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital,” he added

The resident called on the government and the  security operatives to beam more search light on the community and the surrounding villages saying, “What our people want at this time is for the authorities to urgently address the constant threat to our lives by bandits. Some days back, one person was also shot dead in the nearby Chanso village. The situation should not be allowed to continue.”

In the Pankshin attack, residents said the armed bandits  stormed the palace of the paramount ruler at about 1:00am on Monday, and whisked him to an unknown destination.

A resident said, “After the gunmen left with the traditional ruler, they made contact with the palace some hours later and demanded N50m ransom. Right now, the security agents including members of the vigilante in the community have been combing the hills if they would locate the traditional ruler or his abductors but so far there is no success. That is the situation for now.”

The Spokesman of the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, did not pick his calls when contacted on the incidents as at the time of filling this report .

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party had expressed disappointment over the inability of the government to address the security challenges in the state

In a statement issued on Monday, by the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, John Akans, after the release of the party’s chairman in Bokkos LGA, earlier kidnapped on Sunday by gunmen, the PDP said , “The leadership of the party is grateful to God Almighty for His divine intervention and to the community for their vigilance. The LGA Chairman has been rescued.

“After he was rescued yesterday night from the terrorists the chairman is admitted and currently undergoing medical treatment in Bokkos  .

“As a responsible party our heart is truly broken and saddened over the incessant killings and kidnappings ongoing across the state.

“We sympathize with Tangur Community and Bokkos Local Government and indeed Plateau State over this unprovoked attack and to the immediate family of Mapack Linus, who was shot dead last night by the terrorist. Please, accept our heartfelt sympathy.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with you.”