Following our initial report of the attack on Wereh village (Dorowa) in Barkin Ladi LGA, see: http://www.viewpointnigeria.com/3-people-killed-fresh-plateau-attack/

ViewPointNigeria has contacted eye witnesses in the community and is in the process of putting out a full report of what happened –including video interviews with witnesses, pictures etc.

At the time of filing this report though, it was already confirmed that a guerrilla attack was launched at the residence of former head of civil service Mr Moses Gwom. Gunmen were said to have stormed his residence, which is opposite an STF checkpoint in Wereh (Dorowa), killing two soldiers stationed in the area, before invading his house.

On hearing commotion and shooting, he was reported to have hid in one of the rooms, but was found and murdered in cold blood. Along with the deceased, 2 soldiers and 12 people were said to have been injured, with scores others traumatised.

Confirming the incident, the police spokesman confirmed an attack in Wereh and said the identify of Mr Moses Gwom (the deceased) was yet to be fully verified –but that an attack on his residence did indeed happen at 9pm.

ViewPointNigeria Analysis

Mr Moses Gwom joins a long list of Plateau elders and thought leaders who have been assassinated in the lingering attacks on the Plateau. He joins a long list including the Saf Tadai (chief of Tadai village – Chief Haruna Maren), Saf Ron (the paramount chief of Bokkos LGA – Sir Lazarus Agai), Senator Gyang Damtong (Senator representing Plateau North), Hon Gyang Fulani (House of Assembly Member), Chief Francis Didi (ward head of Longvel ward in Shendam LGA, Rev Bitrus Manjang (Ex-COCIN Vice President), Chief Mohammed Suleiman (Village head of Gyangyang village in Kanam LGA).

The above are only the prominent individuals killed in the attacks. ViewPointNigeria’s estimate of lives lost in the attacks runs into several thousands with Billions of Naira lost.

This new attack brings into question pronouncements that peace has returned to Plateau and calls for sober reflection by both government and communities to determine how this challenge can be summounted.

Typically, we are quick to blame PLSG for being inept and insincere with issues of security, but the reality is that the federal Government is the real culprit here. The deafening silence by FG is tacit approval to the killings by herdsmen. FG’s strong stance on matters of militancy in the Niger Delta and the South East is in total contrast to their passive and “ostrich” approach in the middle belt.

This “silence by FG” has emboldened herdsmen to continue to wreak havoc –knowing that nothing will happen.

The fact that the killings continue to happen at different points across Plateau (Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Wase) suggests that there is an organised syndicate with well established networks, heads and control centres that commission and sanctions these attacks. Until FG, becomes sincere in its dealings by using its resources in the SSS to track and squash this terror cell –attacks on the Plateau and the middle blet will continue unabated.

As we reflect on happening on the Plateau, lets do so not as PDP, APC or ADP youths –but as natives of Plateau. People whose house in on fire. Let’s not be quick to defend politicians and their insincere action at achieving peace, but let’s demand good governance and an end to the current issues.

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VPN Analysis: Ex Plateau Head of Service Moses Gwom Killed in Attack on Wereh (Dorowa)