Muslim Gunmen Attacked Christians In Nigeria During New Year’s Eve, 3 Killed, 16 Wounded

The peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the
Christmas celebration in Plateau State was shattered
on Wednesday when two persons were reportedly
killed while 16 others were wounded when a group of
gunmen invaded the Church of Christ in Nations on
the eve of the New Year at Maiakworigold Maikatako
village in Bokkos Local Government Council of
Plateau State.
One other person was said to have been killed in
Manguna area of Bokkos Local Government of the
state in the early hours of Wednesday.
The gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, were
said to have stormed the COCIN Church
Maiakworigold Maikatako and started shooting
sporadically. The two people were killed on the spot
while the 16 people sustained various degrees of
injuries in the ensuing stampede.
The third victim in Manguna area of the same local
council area was said to have been killed by the
retreating gunmen.
One of the eyewitnesses, Mr. Augustine Bim, told
newsmen that during the service to usher in the New
Year, some gunmen stormed the church and started
to shoot at different directions.
He said that the casualties were recorded when the
worshippers started escaping through various
directions.
Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Titus
Alams, who confirmed the incident, described it as
unfortunate.
Alams, who is the member representing Bokkos
State constituency, said that five of the victims were
currently on admission at the Plateau State Specialist
Hospital.
He said they were in a stable condition while 11
people were receiving treatment at Barkin Ladi
General Hospital.
While commending the security operatives for their
prompt response, he also urged them to do
everything possible to fish out the perpetrators of
this act.
He said, "This latest incident is regrettable because
we have been doing a lot to sustain the current peace
we are enjoying in the state. We are appealing to
security agents to do everything in their power to
fish out those responsible for this heinous crime
against humanity."
Alams appealed to the youths of Bokkos to remain
calm and not to take the law into their own hands. He
also urged them to report any suspicious movement
to law enforcement agents in their area.
While reiterating the importance of safeguarding
themselves against further attacks, the Speaker
urged the people to avoid making themselves
vulnerable to attack by congregating in large
numbers at any point at night.
[By Punch Newspaper Nigeria]
Sent From David Aniemeka