Death toll rises in Plateau cultural festival’s attack

Death toll has reportedly increased, following Saturday’s gunmen attack on a cultural festival’s celebrants in a Plateau State community.

Attackers suspected to be Fulani militia had killed 12 persons and injured 28 others at Chando Zerreci community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.

Tragedy struck as the people of Irigwe ethnic nationality of the state were celebrating ‘Zerreci’, an annual festival meant to usher in the rainy/farming season.

A member of the community, Micheal Danjuma who escaped from the attackers by a whisker said the dastardly act occurred at about 11:45 pm.

He said 10 people were initially killed in the runup to the event while another two were also killed on the festival ground.

“Twelve people were gunned down instantly while 28 others sustained gunshot wounds and are now receiving treatments at various hospitals in Jos,” a visibly shaken DANJUMA said.

The Irigwe Development Association (IDA) in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Davidson Mallison, also confirmed the incident, noting that it was carried out by the Fulani militia.

“Early this morning Sunday, they also attacked our people at Ritivo while observing the traditional and cultural festival and two persons have been confirmed killed with others wounded as a result of bullet injuries.

“In total,12 people have been killed while about 28 people have sustained varying degrees of injuries. At the time of compiling this report, searching for victims is still on, that is to say, the report can be updated in case of any incoming information,” the association disclosed.