Heipang village, located in the Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau state, fell victim to a tragic assault by herdsmen during the early hours of Thursday, August 10, 2023. The attack, occurring around 1:00 am, resulted in the tragic loss of 17 villagers’ lives.
Among the victims of this brutal attack was the Me Dung Mark family, consisting of Mr. Me Dung Mark, his wife, and their children. The devastating incident was confirmed by Mr. John Mark Pam, the State Youth Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the northern zone and a sibling of the victims. Mr. Pam reported that the assailants mercilessly targeted his brother’s family and others, leaving behind a scene of devastation.
Tragically, this marks the second assault on Heipang village within a mere two months. In June 2023, two villagers lost their lives in a strikingly similar attack.
Despite the recent visit of the chief of army staff to the state and his call to action against these marauding herdsmen, the spate of attacks on Plateau state’s villages continues to escalate. The region’s inhabitants are left vulnerable and anxious.
We urgently implore the security agencies to intervene promptly and bring the perpetrators behind this horrendous attack to justice. Additionally, we urge the government to take immediate measures to ensure the safety and security of the people residing in Plateau state, shielding them from any further acts of aggression.