by Masara Kim, Jos
A pregnant woman, Rifkatu Friday, was killed along with her seven-year-old daughter, Ladi, in Zanwhra village, Miango District of Bassa County, on 27 June.
An 86-year-old man, Minchwe Gado, was also killed in the evening attack, which left two others, Lami Bitrus and Friday Bitrus, severely injured.
In nearby Riyom County, a middle age Christian farmer, Bitrus Manzere, was killed near a military station.
President of Irigwe Development Association Robert Ashi said a Fulani man was identified among the assailants.
“According to eyewitnesses, a known Fulani gunman by the name of Hashimu Hudu, or Terry G., was the leader of the attack,” said Robert in a text message.
Solomon Dalyop, a human rights lawyer, said Bitrus was ambushed by herdsmen at about 8pm on 28 June on the Makera–Jol village road, “a few metres from Sector 6 Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven (military taskforce)”.
Musa Agah, a representative of Irigwe/Rukuba constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, confirmed the attack in Zanwhra saying the “coordinated attacks” are aimed at “land grabbing”.