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Bandits Attack Langtang, Kill Five Policemen, 17 Others

Vanguard (Lagos)
NEWS
October 22, 2002
Posted to the web October 23, 2002

By Taye Obateru
Jos
SCORES of bandits again attacked some villages in Langtang South LG of Plateau
State last Friday killing 17 people including five mobile policemen. Two other
policemen are still missing following the attack which former civilian governor
of the state Chief Solomon Lar has said may have links with the terrorist
activities of the Al-Queda group. Speaking to journalists yesterday, he said
the manner the attacks were being prosecuted with mercenaries from other states
and even from outside the country, were clear signs that some people were
pursuing a specific agenda.
He made reference to the alleged activities of a traditional ruler from the
area whom he said had written letters to prominent traditional rulers in the
North alleging that Muslims were being persecuted in the state and needed to be
assisted. He said it was disturbing that some soldiers posted to keep peace in
the area were being used to launch attacks on the people, disclosing that two
of the soldiers were recently overpowered during an attack on Tarok villages.He
said the soldiers confirmed that they were being paid N50,000.00 to participate
in the attacks. Vanguard learnt that last Friday's attack during which the
mobile policemen were killed, was a follow up to an earlier attack on Fajul
village in Langtang South LG on Tuesday during which about 14 of the bandits
were killed by security men.
One of those killed was identified as the leader of the Fulanis in the LG who
relocated following the outbreak of hostilities in the area. The combined
efforts of the security men and the villagers were said to have forced the
bandits believed to have come from Kurmi in Taraba State, to beat a retreat.
Chief Lar has meanwhile, called on the Plateau State government to create a new
LG for Tarok, Jukun and other ethnic groups in Wase LG to save them from
further persecution by a group bent on annihilating them.

   

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