No fewer than four persons were reportedly killed and seven others seriously wounded after suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked a drinking bar popularly called Burukutu Joint at Gindin Akwati in Gashish District, Barkin Ladi Local Government, Jos, Plateau State.
It was learnt that the gunmen attacked their victims at about 10pm on Sunday night, killing one person instantly.
Others were said to have died before help could get to them.
The injured persons were said to be receiving treatment at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.
Spokesman for the police in the state, Mr. Emmanuel Abu, confirmed the incident. He said in the early hours of Monday one Ali Iliya of Exland village, Gashish District lodged a report at the police station at Barkin Ladi that there was an attack on a drinking spot.
Abu said policemen were deployed in the area shortly after the incident, but no arrest had been made.
He called on residents of the area to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspected movement to the police.
Meanwhile, Governor Jonah Jang has appointed a Senior Special Assistant on Fulani Affairs.
Jang, in a statement on Monday by his Director of Press Affairs, Mr. James Mannok, named the new aide as Mallam Salihu Umar.
Also appointed is Alhaji Lawal Ishaq, who is the Senior Special Assistant on Hausa Affairs, while Mr. Akazamus Anakwe is Senior Special Assistant on Igbo relations.
The statement said Mr. Austin Iyere is now Senior Special Assistant on South-South Affairs, while veteran journalist, Mr. Tunde Oladapo, is Special Assistant on Yoruba affairs.
The statement said, “The appointments are to strengthen inter-group relations and consolidate on the peace process.”
It added that the new officials would broaden participation of all communities in the state’s peace process and bring on all interests into decision making processes.