A somber atmosphere has descended upon the Du community in the Kwall District, Rigwe Chiefdom, Bassa local government area of Plateau, as armed assailants struck on Sunday night, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight individuals.
Leadership groups representing the Chiefdom have unequivocally condemned this ruthless act and have urgently called upon the security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
While the State Police Command’s spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, confirmed the incident, he conveyed his limited access to details at the moment.
However, Davidson Malison, the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), a tribal association, has come forward to confirm the incident and provide the names of the victims.
Malison expressed, “As the rest of Nigeria celebrated the 63rd Independence anniversary with joy, Rigwe People were plunged into sorrow due to an attack on Du village of Kwall District, Rigwe Chiefdom of Plateau State in Nigeria. Sunday, October 1, 2023, can rightly be called ‘Black Sunday’ as the entire Rigwe nation is in mourning.”
The attackers, identified as Fulani militias, reportedly invaded the community at approximately 8:10 pm, indiscriminately firing bullets at innocent individuals while they slept.
Tragically, when the assailants departed, eight lives had been lost, and five people were left injured, currently receiving medical care.
Leadership bodies including the Rigwe Traditional Council, Irigwe Development Association (IDA), and Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM) have expressed profound grief over the attack and have unreservedly condemned it.
They have called for an end to these incessant acts of violence and lawlessness, urging security personnel to promptly arrest those responsible and ensure they face the full force of the law.
The deceased victims, as identified by Malison, are Yohanna Zehwhie (35 years old), Avu Goji (18), Tingwie Nko (38), Shara Danjuma (nine), Williams Danjuma (11), Afiniki Sunday (25), Wala Boyi (17), and Gani Doglas (28). Meanwhile, the injured individuals include Rondo Peter (18), Boma Sunday (45), Geoffrey David (19), Tini Thomas (14), and Joseph Monday (25).
