Gunmen kill pastor, wife, three others in fresh Plateau attack

Gunmen have tragically taken the life of Pastor Dauda Dalyop in Plateau State. The incident occurred during an attack in the Kwall community, Bassa Local Government Area, where the pastor, along with his wife and three others, lost their lives.

This heartbreaking news was confirmed by Sam Jugo, the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association, in a statement addressed to fellow community members.

The statement informed them of the devastating attack that resulted in the loss of five residents at Ari Songo (Songo’s House), Kimakpa, Kwall District on June 2nd, 2024.

A group of criminals, armed with heavy weapons, carried out a violent attack resulting in the deaths of Pastor Dauda Dalyop, Mrs. Chummy Dauda, Mr. Chwe Ajuhs, Mr. Joshua Kusa, and Mrs. Rikwe Doro.

Two individuals sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at home. The Operation Safe Haven troops were quickly deployed to prevent further violence in the Kwall district.

The situation remains tense in the area at present. This tragic event occurred shortly after another incident where Rigwe youths were ambushed by unknown assailants while riding a motorcycle back from the Gero mining site, resulting in the death of Mr. Irmiya Musa Timbi and injuring another person severely.

We urge everyone to remain calm and allow the security agencies to conduct their investigations effectively. It is important for us to be more vigilant, refrain from traveling at night to far-off places, resist the temptation for revenge or vigilante actions, and trust in the capabilities of the security forces.

Despite our deep sorrow over this reprehensible incident, we must refrain from taking matters into our own hands to prevent further escalation.

It is imperative that the authorities take appropriate action to apprehend the perpetrators in order to deliver justice and rebuild the trust of our community.

Following the recent tragic events in Kimakpa, Kwall, a message was conveyed by the National Publicity Secretary to his fellow community members after the victims’ burial.

The update highlighted a visit by law enforcement and local government officials to assess and potentially enhance security measures at the police outstation in Miango.

Additionally, they offered condolences to Brra Nggwe at his palace regarding recent incidents in Kwall and surrounding areas.

The President of IDA urged the Police Commissioner to consider elevating the police outstation to a Division status and establishing a new outpost in Kwall, with assurances from the CP that he would address these requests accordingly.

In the ongoing response to the recent incident, officers from the Special Task Force, under the direction of the Operation Safe Haven commander, have been mobilized to apprehend those responsible. Present at the scene were Plateau State’s police commissioner, O. E. Adesina, along with senior police officials like the DPO of Bassa LG and local government chairman Mr. Fidelis Adara, who visited to assess and offer support to the affected community.

The three Rigwe victims were laid to rest following this visit, while the pastor and his wife were taken to O.L.A. Hospital mortuary for further arrangements.

This tragic event comes after a previous attack in April 2024 where gunmen targeted Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle villages in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs, resulting in 10 fatalities and numerous injuries.

The assailants also set fire to several homes belonging to villagers during these attacks as confirmed by Farmasum Fuddang, Chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council.