Barely two days after Governor Caleb Mutfwang paid a condolence visit to the troubled Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, gunmen struck again on Wednesday, killing a man and his wife.

According to a statement issued by the Berom Youth Moulder Association (BYM), signed by its Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the unfortunate incident occurred in the Angwan Ishaku community of the local government area at about 4:35 p.m.

The statement stated that the couple were shot by the assailants while the husband was working in front of their home, leading to the immediate death of Mrs Grace Iliya at the scene. Her husband, who sustained serious gunshot injuries, was rushed to the hospital but later died while receiving treatment.

It further stated that the attackers arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire on the couple and others in the area, and immediately fled through the road leading towards the Fulani settlements in Fass along the Rakung-Sho Road.

“The deceased woman had only recently finished breastfeeding their one-year-old twin boys and was pregnant again. The tragic killing of the couple has now left the innocent twins orphaned and devastated their entire family.

“Two other persons also sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, while their health conditions are yet to be confirmed,” the association said.

The BYM further noted that the attack clearly showed that the terrorists had continued to defy security authorities and were evidently not ready for peace in Plateau State despite ongoing efforts by the government and stakeholders to restore calm in the affected communities.

It described the latest attack as a barbaric and inhuman act, as well as a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity confronting the people of Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities.

The association therefore called on the military and other security agencies to immediately carry out coordinated operations and raids on the Fulani settlements in Fass and Mahanga to flush out criminal elements and their collaborators allegedly hiding within the areas. (Nigerian Tribune)