Plateau Killings: Death Toll Rises To 28

The death toll from the massacre in Rukuba area of Plateau, Jos North Local Government on Saturday has reached 28 while many are still missing.

The victims who were mostly Fulani from Ondo State had attended an annual Zikr (prayer session) and celebration of the Islamic New Year held at the Dahiru Usman Bauchi Mosque in Bauchi and were travelling in a convoy of five 18-seater coaster buses, when they were attacked.

Police authorities have identified the perpetrators and described them as “suspected Irigwe militia,” but Irigwe Development Association said the attack was not carried out by Irigwe youths.

According to Bala Umar, the immediate past SSA to Ondo State Governor on Hausa/Fulani matters, the death toll has reached 28 while 11 victims are in critical condition at the hospital.

Umar made this known while welcoming Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s delegation to the Fulani community in Ikare and Ikarimu who came to pay a condolence visit.

The delegation was led by Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

Umar added that 33 people have also been discharged from the hospital, while some are still missing out of the 91 people who made the journey.

“Most of these Fulani you are seeing here are just sitting Fulani, some are born here, some have all their children here and are schooling here as well.

“These are peace-loving Fulani, and it is unfortunate this incident happened to them.

“The report reaching us from Jos, from State Chairman of Miyetti Allah is that 28 people are confirmed dead and 11 are in critical conditions, while 35 have been discharged. 91 people embarked on this journey and that is how they go every year.

“Some are still missing till this moment,” he added.