Over eight persons including a pastor, his wife and three children were killed and 95 houses burnt after suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked churches and houses in Barkin Ladi Local Government area of Plateau State.
The assailants were said to have set the branch of COCIN church in Abonong village, Foron district on fire.
The cleric and his children were said to have been burnt beyond recognition in his bedroom while his wife was shot in the bathroom.
According to reports, the attackers armed with machetes and AK47 rifles stormed the village, shooting sporadically and burning houses including part of the reverend’s house.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the state police command, Terna Tyopev, said the attackers hit the community in the early hours of Wednesday and also carted away about 310 cows.
“When we received information that Abonong and Zayit communities were being attacked, we quickly mobilised and rushed to the affected areas. But, when we approached the areas, the attackers sighted us and took to their heels. When we eventually entered the attacked settlements, we found that eight persons were killed, 95 houses burnt, while 310 cows were stolen,” he said.
Tyopev said that the bandits also stole food stuff and and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
“As we speak, security has been beefed up in the areas to forestall further attacks,” he said.
