Over 30 People Feared dead in Jos Fresh Attack by Gunmen

Over Thirty people were reportedly killed and over 40 houses burnt in an early morning attack carried out by gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, in Shonong village of Bashit District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
It was gathered that 25 others were injured and over 40 houses set ablaze by the attackers yesterday.
The attackers were said to have stormed the village around 7am on Monday in a
commando-like manner, shooting sporadically. Those killed were caught in the pandemonium that followed staccato bursts of gunfire.
Shom Toma, one of the survivors, who is receiving treatment at the Vom Christian Hospital, Jos, told journalists that the attackers numbering over 100 struck at a time most of the villagers had gone to their farms.
Toma said he was moulding some blocks near his house when he heard gunshots. He said most of the victims were children and elderly people.
But the Plateau State Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Olakpe, said, “I was told that only four people were killed and a couple of houses burnt.”
The Majority Leader of the House of Assembly and member representing Riyom Constituency, Daniel Dem, confirmed that over 30 people were killed.
He said “If the military were there in the village and the attack took place at about 8am and lasted till noon, then the military has so many questions to answer.”
Dem, who visited survivors at the Vom Christian Hospital, said: “We have security men there and if the attack started from 8am till noon, I think something must be wrong, what are the military there for?
“If there was an attack from morning till noon and people were killed, houses razed, I think the military should be asked why they are there to protect lives and property.
“We have tried to get in touch with them and they said they are on ground. They should please explain what happened from morning till noon. This is absurd and I am begining to suspect some connivance.”