In a tragic series of events across Plateau State, communities were thrown into mourning following a deadly night attack by gunmen and a separate fatal road accident. Security forces, however, recorded a success in a counter-terrorism operation.
Night of Terror in Bong Village
Armed assailants stormed Bong Village in the Doemak District of Qua'an Pan Local Government Area on Friday night, killing no fewer than seven persons. The attackers invaded the community while residents were asleep, carrying out a brutal house-to-house assault.
The violent raid left several people with injuries, while a number of others were reported missing in the immediate aftermath. Those injured were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Press and Publicity to the Chairman of Qua'an Pan Local Council, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, stated that he could not provide a definitive casualty figure at the moment. The Defence Headquarters also acknowledged the attack.
Military Response in Wase
In a related development, the Nigerian Army announced a successful operation against terrorists in a remote part of the state. Troops of Operation Enduring Peace from the 3 Division, Rukuba Barracks in Jos, neutralised five terrorists during a separate engagement in Wase Local Government Area.
The Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, Major Samson Zhakom, confirmed this development. He advised journalists to await official statements from the affected local government authorities for comprehensive details on both security incidents.
Deadly Crash in Langtang
Separately, the state witnessed another tragedy on the roads. Five persons lost their lives and 13 others sustained injuries in a fatal road accident at the Zangzat Roundabout in Langtang, Langtang North Local Government Area. The crash occurred in the early hours of Saturday.
The accident involved a trailer that was conveying marketers from Shendam to Jos through Langtang. It happened at approximately 3:00 a.m.
The Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Council, Pirfa Jingfa Tyem, provided preliminary findings. He stated the accident was caused by speeding and overloading of a Plateau State-registered vehicle with the number plate JJN 383 YZ.
The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Langtang. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kum Precious Yakubu, the council chairman revealed that he had directed officials to visit the accident scene and the hospital to assess the situation and offer sympathy to the victims.
Chairman Tyem expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery. He emphasised that the incident underscores the grave dangers of reckless driving and ignoring road safety regulations.
The council chairman called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify road safety sensitisation and enforcement at markets, motor parks, and major transit routes within the local government area to prevent future tragedies.
The council further urged all drivers, transporters, marketers, and commuters to obey speed limits, avoid overloading vehicles, and prioritise safety above all else. It reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with relevant agencies to safeguard lives and promote road safety across the region.
