A distressing incident unfolded as armed bandits targeted a secondary school located in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in the tragic loss of two teachers’ lives.
The victims were identified as a recently married couple who were educators at the BECO Comprehensive Secondary School, situated within the Kwi community of the local government. Reports indicate that the attack took place on Monday afternoon, while the teachers were engaged in a meeting to finalize student results ahead of the school’s upcoming “Speech and Prize-giving Day” scheduled for Friday.
According to eyewitnesses, the bandits, reportedly of Fulani origin, arrived at the school premises accompanied by cattle. The situation escalated when the staff requested the bandits to remove their cattle from the school environment. Instead of complying, the bandits brandished weapons and opened fire on the teachers, tragically claiming the lives of two teachers. Additionally, other educators were injured in the attack, including the school’s Vice Principal.
Confirming the incident, Moses Gwott, a youth leader from the community, shared, “It was on Monday around 3 pm that the bandits came into the school compound with their cattle, and interrupted the staff meeting. The staff had asked the bandits who were obviously Fulani to get their cows out of the school environment. But instead of complying, they brought out their arms and opened gunfire at the teachers killing two teachers.”
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, echoed the tragic events and used the occasion to call for a ban on open grazing in the region. He expressed concern about the audacity of armed individuals who intimidate locals and graze on farmlands unchecked.
The Berom Youth Moulder-Association conveyed their sadness over the loss of Rwang Danladi and his wife, Mrs. Sandra Rwang Danladi, who were newlyweds and members of the school’s staff. Mr. Dalyop Emmanuel Ibrahim, the Vice Principal of the institution, sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Despite attempts to reach out, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Alfred Alabo, could not be reached for comment on the matter.
Punch
