From Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
The killings in Irigwe chiefdom of Bassa LGA of Plateau State has continued unabated, as ten people are set to have been killed on Saturday during the annual ritual festival ‘Zerreci’, the festival that ushers the people into the farming season.
Also, nineteen people were said to have been injured when the yet to be identified gunmen attacked who stormed the festival and killed the aforementioned people.
According to an eyewitness the gunmen suspected to be herdsmen lunched the attack while annual ritual festival was ongoing .
While confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Youth Movement, Comrade Lawrence Zongo, said, “The National Leadership of Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM) condemn the attack of the Irigwe people on her Annual Ritual Festival ‘Zerreci’, the festival that ushers her into the rainy farming season.
“Our people were attacked by herdsmen late Saturday night at about 11pm at Chando Zerreci in Bassa Local Government Area.
Zongo further disclosed that, “10 of pur people were killed and 19 others survived gunshots wounds, and are currently undergoing treatment in the Hospital.
According to him, “The Nigerian government has a responsibility to promote and protect human rights, including the right to life, and a duty to protect civilians from attacks by taking effective measures to prevent and deter attacks on the Irigwe people.
“Government must as a matter of urgency investigate the attack in Irigwe land and bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure families and other victims are adequately compensated.
“Brutal attacks on Irigwe communities are becoming rampant and frequent. This is unacceptable.
“Government must take more concrete steps to protect lives and properties across Irigwe chiefdom and neighboring communities”, he stressed.
Also, the Plateau State Police Command, through its Spokesman, ASP Uba Ogaba, confirmed the attack, but did not give any casualty figure.
“The Command is aware of the incident at Bassa yesterday, and our men have since been deployed to the area.
“We are on top of the situation”, he added.
