• Lalong recruits 810 security operatives
Gyang Bere, Jos
The Berom ethnic nationality in Plateau state has accused Fulani herdsmen of raping and killing women in various communities in Riyom, Jos South and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of the state. Vice President, Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO), Da. Iliya Choji Kim, disclosed this yesterday during a press conference on bloody attacks in Berom land, held at the BECO Secretariat, Jos, Plateau State.
“May has been a bloody for the Berom, particularly in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas. Our women are being tortured, raped and, in some instances, killed. Reports of these incidences have been lodged with the relevant security agencies for action and no arrest have been made while victims are being treated as the accused,” he said.
He explained that over 33,000 persons, mostly women, children and the aged have been displaced from 54 villages where the herdsmen are forcefully building houses without clearance.
Meanwhile, worried by the incessant attacks, Governor Simon Lalong has directed the state Security outfit “Operation Rainbow” to embarked on recruitment of 810 security personnel, three each from the 270 electoral wards in the state.
Lalong stressed that criminals such as cattle rustlers and those burning farmlands will soon be thrown out of business, and pleaded with stakeholders to desist from defending them when they are brought to face justice.