A fresh dimension has been added to the ethno-religious crisis ravaging Plateau State with the killing, today, of two prominent lawmakers by Fulani herdsmen. Senator Gyang Dalyop Datong (Plateau North, PDP) and the majority leader of the Plateau State of Assembly, Hon. Gyang Danfulani, were shot dead by gunmen while attending a burial ceremony near Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Confirming the killing of the prominent lawmakers and the injuring of a third (a member of the House of Representatives), Mr. Pam Ayuba, spokesman for Governor Jonah Jang, said: “The senator representing Plateau North, Gyang Dantong, and the majority leader of the state assembly, Gyang Fulani, were gunned down today by Fulani herdsmen.”

Ayuba disclosed that Datong and Danfulani were killed shortly after attending the mass burial for the victims of yesterday’s raid, also traced to Muslim Fulani herdsmen.

As related by Ayuba, after the mass burial, the lawmakers went to a reception at the home of another local leader in Gashis, about 90 kilometres from Jos.

“The Fulani herdsmen raided the house,” Ayuba said. “They shot (the politicians) and some others but the key people who lost their lives are the senator and the majority leader.

All victims were Christians and Ayuba said the unprovoked attack on them was motivated by resentment for the Plateau’s Christian political leadership.

*Photo courtesy elombah.com