In what looked as a reprisal attack, suspected Fulani herders have killed 36 persons in Yelwa-Zangam community, behind the University of Jos, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Eyewitnesses in the community said the armed men invaded the community at about 9 p.m. on Tuesday and raided for hours without help from security agents.
The attack appears as a retaliation for the killing of about 25 Fulani travellers on Gada-Biyu-Rukuba road in Jos, the state capital, few days ago, an incident that had followed weeks of sustained carnage on communities in Jos North by suspected herdsmen.
Tuesday’s attack saw the herders shooting, killing and maiming everyone in sight, while homes were razed.
The herders also destroyed a bridge leading to the community thereby preventing possible access before launching the attacks.
An entire family was burnt alive in their homes while others that attempted to run into nearby bush were shot. Several persons sustained gunshot wounds and are being treated in the hospitals.
Yelwa-zangam community is dominated by Christian Anagutta natives.
Efforts are still ongoing to recover bodies of those killed still in the bushes.
