The Bokkos Cultural Development Council condemned the horrific killings that resulted in the pointless deaths of at least ten of its members in Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle villages of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to a press statement issued by the group chairman, Barr. Farmasum Fuddang, it is contained that Despite the presence of security forces, including the DSS, army, and Police, the perpetrators, identified as Fulani terrorists, were allowed to carry out their heinous acts with impunity.
He added that “Under the cover of darkness, more than fifty armed terrorists descended upon the villages of Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle, targeting innocent, unarmed, and peaceful residents as they slept. The assailants set fire to homes and a place of worship, mercilessly gunning down fleeing civilians while nearby soldiers failed to intervene effectively”
Barr. Farmasum disclosed that “The brazen attack, which predominantly targeted children, appears to be part of a calculated effort to instill fear and perpetrate further displacement within our communities. We condemn this act of terror, which we believe is aligned with a broader agenda to impose sharia law and seize control of our lands”
Recall that The Department of State Service (DSS) uncovered a threat of renewed attacks and reprisal in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs which was reported to CP Steve Yabanet, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command Prior to Sallah Celebration.
However, The Bokkos Cultural Development Council debunked the narrative made by the DSS about the planned attack on fulani communities stating that “We write to unequivocally reject the mischievous narrative sought to be propagated by your department, and vehemently state that no Ron Militia exists in Bokkos LGA or anywhere else! We also wish to register our rejection of your questionable intelligence which we believe was generated, procured and instigated by the Fulani communities themselves to heighten tensions and cause apprehension across communities in Bokkos LGA”
The group also wants it known that the DSS alert is the same as the long-standing tactic used by Fulani terrorists, who frequently sound fake alarms to scare locals and/or provide cover for impending attacks. Furthermore, we believe that the DSS is corrupted and implicated in this unless it can cleanse its name.
The group goes on to say that they are ready to take legal action if the authorities do not respond to their requests for answers in a timely manner. “We will not tolerate our people being singled out and demonised while those in charge of ensuring our safety turn a blind eye. Enough is enough.”
