A tragic attack in Plateau state has left a family grieving after a pregnant woman was killed inside a labour room by gunmen. Daniel Nanle, a resident of Kawel community in Mushere District, Bokkos local government area, narrated how his younger sister, Larai Danjuma, was rushed to a Primary Health Centre in labour on Sunday night, June 21. Upon arrival, she was taken to the labour room to deliver, but assailants attacked the facility and shot her dead alongside other patients and health workers.
Attack Claims 22 Lives in Plateau Community
According to a report by Daily Trust on Wednesday, June 24, the gunmen attacked the Kawel community while residents were asleep, killing 22 persons. The victims included health workers, security personnel, and in-patients at the health centre. Premium Times also highlighted the heinous attack, which has sparked outrage and calls for government intervention.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, June 23, during a visit by Plateau Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo to commiserate with victims, Nanle expressed his grief. He said: “My immediate sister was married to Mr. Danjuma Damial. She was taken to the hospital because she was due for delivery. Unfortunately, the attackers came and killed her.”
Brother Appeals for Government Intervention
The bereaved brother appealed to the state and federal governments to take urgent action to prevent future attacks. “I am appealing to the state government and the federal government to intervene,” Nanle pleaded. The attack has heightened concerns over the growing insecurity in Plateau state, which now constitutes one of Nigeria’s major security threats after the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and banditry in the northwest.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited affected communities following the deadly attacks. Law enforcement agents have intensified patrols and security deployments in parts of Plateau state to curb the recurring violence in rural communities.
Previous Attacks in Plateau State
The fatal attacks are part of a ceaseless wave of violence in Plateau state. In May, 12 persons were killed in separate attacks on communities in Riyom and Bassa local government areas. Those attacks occurred in the early hours amid renewed violence and reprisal killings across the state. In March, gunmen killed 27 residents in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North.
The growing conflict in Plateau has become a major security challenge for Nigeria. The attack on the health centre underscores the vulnerability of civilians, including pregnant women and health workers, to the violence that has plagued the region.
