Nigeria: 22 killed in Plateau attack

A suspected Christian militia, on Saturday allegedly attacked a convoy conveying 90 Muslim faithful in Plateau state, leaving no fewer than 22 people dead, according to the police.

Both the Northwest and central Nigeria have for years battling with unsettled peace between mainly Muslim nomadic herders and Christian farmers who fight over control of resources, water and land.

The state’s police command, in statement by its spokesman, Ubah Ogaba said, “at about 0928hrs (08:28 GMT) the Plateau State Police Command received a distress call that a group of attackers suspected to be Irigwe youths (predominantly Christian)… attacked a convoy of five buses with Muslim faithful.

“Twenty-two persons were killed and 14 injured in the attack,” adding that 21 people had been rescued.

A local government representative said the toll was higher.

“Twenty-five people are now confirmed killed,” said the state government representative Danladi Atu who visited a hospital where injured people were taken to.

Also, a local group representing herders, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, said it counted 25 bodies.

“We have prepared up to 25 dead bodies that are ready for burial,” said the group’s local representative, Malam Nura Abdullahi.

The  state governor, Simon Lalong condemned the attack.

“Security has been beefed up around the area,” Governor Lalong said in a statement by his media aide, Makut Simon Macham.

Police, however said six suspects had been arrested, while calm had been restored to the area.