On Wednesday, 06/04/2022, gunmen suspected to be fulani militias attacked Internally Displaced Persons at Rantis where they are rebuilding their homes, killing two persons.


The gunmen numbering six came on three motorcycles and shot sporadically at the IDPs at about 3:40pm when the IDPs have completed work for the day and were about leaving the site.


As a result of the incident, two persons, Dalyop Boyi and Gyang Jugu were killed while three persons, Pastor Samson Boyi, Dahwol Jam and Pam Boyi sustained gunshot injuries.


A Volkswagon Vento belonging to one of the deceased, Dalyop Boyi was also burnt down by the attackers.


Recalled that over two hundred persons were killed, property worth millions of naira destroyed and over 17,000 people displaced in June, 2018 when some communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State were attacked.


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had visited the State to commensurate with the State Government and the survivors of the massacre and assured community leaders that the 10 Billion naira would be released by the Federal Government through the State Government in order to bring relief and succor to the people.  


He also said a permanent Mobile Police Squadron will be stationed in Gashish to improve the general security of the area.

 

Since June 2018, the living conditions of the IDPs has continued to worsen and they are yet to receive or experience any of the Federal Government's promise through any agency of the State.


But their desire to return home made them embarked on the rebuilding of their communities through self-help.


This act is not only condemnable but the highest sense of man's inhumanity to his fellow man.


We have always had assurance from the government that peace has returned to the state, but what we see everyday lives us with questions as to if really the Government is in touch with the plight of our people.


For how long shall we continue to burial our own and helplessly watch our oppressors occupy our own land without any form of justice from the people who are suppose to protect us?


Is the Anti Landgrabbing Law in Plateau State only on paper or is it  meant to ensure justice for our people? 


It is sad that whenever our communities are attacked, the perpetrators are regarded as unknown gunmen, yet, after these attacks, strangers settle in our land with no authority challenging that.


This leaves us with the question of the place of justice in the search for peace.


Government must be sincere by addressing issues without discrimination as our continue to search for peace.

 

Rwang Tengwong

BYM National Publicity Secretary

06/04/2022