Again, gunmen kill community leader in fresh Plateau attack

Unidentified gunmen have again, killed the Dakacin Langai of Kadunu Community of Pyam Chiefdom in Mangu Council Area, Plateau State, Alhaji Mohammed Bayero.

Eyewitnesses told The Guardian that the incident occurred about 8 pm on Sunday throwing the community into mourning and confusion as a result of Bayero’s killing at his palace.

They added that one other person who was close to the palace at the time of the attack sustained serious injury.

State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Matthias Terna Tyopev, confirmed the incident, saying shortly after the gunmen left the scene, people thronged Bayero’s palace where they saw him lying in a pool of his own blood.

He was confirmed dead at the hospital, as all efforts to revive him were to no avail.

Tyopev said when the Divisional Police in Mangu received a distress call that the 54-year-old Bayero was shot, they mobilised to the scene, but the deceased had been rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

Besides, a former Director-General of the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii, yesterday escaped attack by unknown gunmen in Benue State.

Family sources said four bandits armed with pistols and machetes forced themselves into his home behind Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Makurdi.

They forcibly entered the house and attempted to attack the security personnel at the post but were repelled by policemen.

Confirming the incident, Orhii told newsmen on the telephone that the gunmen were out to attack him, but the policemen on duty repelled them.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, DSP Catherine Anene said she was yet to be briefed.

Meanwhile, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has hinted of plans to support the Katsina State government to curb banditry and other crimes in the state.

He said the house would also ensure that the Federal Government comes up with a workable plan that would tackle banditry in the state and others affected by the challenge.

Gbajabiamila, who stated this when he visited the state, commended the state government’s dialogue initiative with bandits, saying it would ensure that peace returns to communities affected by banditry.

Speaking, Governor Aminu Masari, said 62 kidnapped victims have so far been released by repentant bandits and that the state government’s dialogue initiative was achieving the desired outcome.