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Peace initiatives by security agencies to end attacks in parts of Plateau State suffered a setback yesterday as gunmen killed three women on their farms at Vatt Community in Foron District of Barkin-Ladi Council Area of the state.
It was learnt that the three women along with others were harvesting their crops when the gunmen invaded the farms and opened fire on them, killed the threesome instantly while others fled for their dear lives to different directions.
A resident of the community revealed that the victims are, Tabitha Joro Dung, Ngo Yop Gwom Pam and Zong Peter, saying the attackers also destroyed their farms and the crops they had harvested before they left.
“This is the third time the marauders have invaded this community in recent times. Apart from those that were killed, there are others who sustained various degrees of injuries.
“We are, therefore, appealing to the security agencies and Plateau State government to come to our aid to arrest this incessant attack on our community,” he said.
When contacted, State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent Matthias Terna Tyopev said he was out of town but would confirm and get back to the reporter, but did not revert as at the time of filing this report.
Besides, Apostolic Administrator of Jos Archdiocese and Coadjutor Archbishop of Abuja, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama has described the lingering Jukun-Tiv crisis in Taraba State as an embarrassment, disappointment and shame.
He lamented that it was unthinkable that the two groups continue to commit atrocities against each other on account of tribal differences and the struggle for economic and political control.
Kaigama stated this yesterday at a meeting of Catholic Bishops and Priests of Abuja and Jos Ecclesiastical Provinces at the Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace (DREP) Centre in Jos, Plateau State over the Jukun-Tiv crisis.
He urged the priest to remain neutral, non-partisan and teach people the merits and benefits of forgiveness, reconciliation and resolving differences through genuine dialogue.
He also charged them to resist the temptation of taking as real what could be distorted historical narratives, mere prejudices, blackmail or fabricated stories that have no bearing with reality but which severely strain a relationship.