Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, Northcentral Nigeria, has condemned the killing of three persons on Sunday in Rafin Bauna community, Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
Governor Lalong, in a statement issued on Monday in Jos by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, said the attack was another callous attempt by the enemies of peace to begin the new year with violence.
Warning that the State government would resist such attempts with all resources available to it, the Governor noted that the victims were on their way from Dutsen Kura to Rafin Bauna when they were ambushed and killed by assailants now at large.
He directed security agencies to arrest the perpetrators and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that the assailants were arrested and brought to justice.
Lalong said the government was committed to dealing with criminals and their activities, and warned criminals including kidnappers, to leave Plateau as anyone caught and convicted for kidnapping would face the death penalty.
He sympathised with the families of the victims and assured them of justice, adding that the government would increase its fight against crimes, especially kidnapping which had become a greater threat to peace and security in the State.
Meanwhile, Farmat Paul, a bride-to-be, was kidnapped by bandits hours to her wedding in Ngyong community in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. She was abducted at her Pastor’s house where she was expected to pass the night before the wedding.
Witnesses said the bandits stormed the Pastor’s house at about 10:45 pm and abducted only the bride.
A family source confirmed that the wedding was scheduled to hold in Ngyong community on Sunday.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ubah Gabriel Ogiba, said though the case was not reported to the Police, they had heard about it and had swung into action.
He, however, said the incident might not be kidnapping, adding that “it may not be kidnapping because there was a time when a lady went to sleep in another man’s house and everybody was saying kidnapping.
“Since this incident occurred, there has not been a formal complaint to the Police. However, we are investigating her whereabouts. But don’t rush to say kidnapping. We have swung into action.”