Deadly Gunmen Attack Plateau State, Kill 17 Persons

 In Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, there have apparently been 17 more deaths at the hands of gunmen.

The attack, according to information obtained by The PUNCH, happened early on Thursday in the LGA's Heipang community.

The attack was confirmed to The PUNCH in Jos on Thursday by Julius Pam, a distraught dad from the neighborhood.

Good morning, sir," said Pam. Tragically, the Heipang community was the target of an attack this morning. There were 17 fatalities in total, including my brother, his wife, and children.

It was impossible to reach Alabo Alfred, the Plateau State Police Command's spokesman, for comment, but sources at the command headquarters claimed that security personnel had been sent to the neighborhood.

Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, opened a security and information center in the meanwhile to make it easier for the people to report the appropriate authorities with security-related information so they can take timely action.

The governor noted in a statement issued by his director of press and public affairs, Gyang Bere, that the center established by the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency aims to close the gap in communication between the general public and the government.

Using the phone number 080 0000 5555, he claimed that the center will set up a toll-free hotline that will enable citizens to provide information without paying a fee.

The center is already open, according to Governor Mutfwang, and individuals can call. He emphasized that all incoming call fees will be paid by the state government on behalf of the people.

The program, according to the governor, will give the government a way to quickly gather early warning signs and take timely action in addition to obtaining feedback on state development issues.

He urged people to report security issues in their local areas with confidence, knowing that all information would be handled in the strictest of confidence.

The statement said, "Operating round-the-clock, the center is focused on efficient and effective service delivery, enabling individuals to report any issues pertinent to the state.