Kanam Attack: Over 78 Persons Feared Killed, 70 Abducted, Over 100 Homes Razed — Locals

Sources from affected Communities in Kanam where Gunmen attacked in Plateau state reveals that over 78 persons were  killed  as bandits storm Kukawa, Gyambawu, Dungur, Kyaram, Yelwa, Dadda, Wanka, Shuwaka, Gwammadaji and Dadin Kowa villages of Garga, Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

A member of the affected communities Fanya Ali, who spoke to our correspondent said that 36 persons were killed in Kukawa while in  Gyambau 24 persons lost their lives. He added that 8 persons were killed in Kyaram and 10 persons killed in Wanka, making it 78.

He also added that the number of dead bodies in the bush is unknown.

In his words ,the number of houses burnt is  also not yet assertain.

Many victims were admitted in Dengi general hospital and Jos University teaching hospital JUTH , he further added.

Another eyewitness who gave his name as  Sariki Bitrus further added that Over 70 persons were abducted.

He further added that those abducted were women and children.

Bitrus further added that several persons in the communities are currently displaced following  the invasion of their homes by the gunmen.

The Spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Ubah Gabriel, who spoke to our correspondent said they can not give the exact number of casualties for now.

He said our men since yesterday has been deployed to the affected communities.

"I would give you the full details of the number of casualties soon", he added.

Meanwhile the Plateau elders forum has lamented the killings of innocent persons in Kanam local government council of the state .

A statement signed by Jonathan Ishaku, the 
Spokesman, of the Plateau Elders Forum, Jos said that just within a week of our press release condemning terrorist attacks on Miango villages in Bassa Local Government area (LGA) and Rantis in Barkin Ladi LGA,  bandits have allegedly killed several  persons, wounded many and abducted over 70 in Kanam LGA yesterday. 

This is again very sad and we strongly condemn it. 
This seemingly escalation of violence on our communities further justifies the earlier call the Plateau Elders Forum made on the Plateau State Government in conjunction with the security forces to deal drastically with terrorists in the state. 

Meanwhile we extend our condolences to the bereaved families and succour to the injured.  

The security should ensure the immediate rescue of all abducted persons, the statement further added.

Our correspondent reports that on assumption of office ,the Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong has been working tirelessly to bring lasting peace to the state.

 He recently established a peacebuilding agency to ensure that lasting peace is restored in the state.