Gunmen kill farmer, injure pastor in Plateau community
Gunmen suspected to be members of Fulani militias killed a 36-year-old farmer, Steven Bala, and injured a cleric, Pastor Apollos Charly, in an attack on Wednesday afternoon in the Lamor community of Pushit District, Plateau State.
Community youth leader Bulus Nehemiah confirmed the incident and reported that a 57-year-old man, Danbaba Libet, is missing following the attack. According to Nehemiah, the assailants targeted a farm owned by Pastor Charly and assaulted the workers. Bala was killed during the assault, while Charly sustained serious injuries but managed to escape.
“In the attack which occurred on Pastor Apollos Charly’s farm, Steven Bala was killed by the Fulani militia. The pastor himself was injured, and another man, Mr. Danbaba Libet, is still missing,” Nehemiah said.
He added that the community has faced increasing violence from Fulani gunmen in recent weeks, hindering residents from accessing their farms during the critical harvest season.
Another community leader, John Sabo, condemned the latest attack, calling it unacceptable. He urged security agencies to enhance their efforts to protect residents and prevent further violence.
“We condemn this senseless attack in the strongest terms. No community should be subjected to this kind of violence, and innocent people should not continue to lose their lives,” Sabo stated.
He called on relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice. Sabo further emphasized the need for increased security presence in the area to reassure residents of their safety.
Efforts to reach Plateau State Police spokesman SP Alfred Alabo for confirmation of the incident were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages.
