There is a mass movement away from Wadata, the boarder village in Wase Local Government of Plateau, which was hit by unknown gunmen on Wednesday, says its Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Zakari.
Capt. Salisu Mustapha, Media Officer of the Special Task Force (STF) maintaining peace in Plateau, has confirmed that nine persons were killed in the attack carried out in the night.
Zakari told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Wase on Saturday that natives of Tarok and Fulani, the major ethnic groups inhabiting the area, have fled to other communities “for fear of the unknown’’.
“We wonder why people should flee from their abodes because of an unfortunate attack.
“Such mass exodus is not good for us because it sends the wrong signals and also gives us a wrong image,’’ he said.
Zakari said that a committee had been set up to investigate the attack and suggest possible ways to avoid a recurrence.
“The committee has been going round appealing to people not to leave since we have put in place adequate security measures in the area,’’ he said.
The Chairman confirmed that nine persons were killed in the night attack which he described as “very sad and unfortunate’’.
“I feel really sad about this development because it happened when we have achieved a high level of peace and mutual confidence among the people,’’ he said.
He warned against rumour mongering which, he said, had contributed to the mass exodus, and advised the people to report any suspicious movement to the security agencies.
Zakari said that the police and STF had begun investigations into the attack, and expressed optimism that those responsible would be apprehended.
