At least seven Bassa ethnic nationalities of Toto Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State were allegedly killed in a renewed attack on their communities by suspected Egbura mercenaries.

It was also alleged that the dastardly act in Nasarawa State was accompanied by burning of Bassa houses by the Egbura mercenaries who wore full military camouflage and carried sophisticated weapons.

This was disclosed by the National Secretary of Bassa Cultural and Development Union, Gwatana Dogwo, during a press conference held yesterday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

He said: “Last week, there was an outbreak of violence at Shafan Abakpa (Sopio) where not less than seven Bassa people were killed in the encounter. Men in full military uniforms and sophisticated weapons ran after the Bassa, attacked and killed them.”

“Who are these men? Are they true or fake Nigerian soldiers? These are mercenaries hired by the Egbura to kill the Bassa.”

The Bassa ethnic scribe called on the government to address the issue, and Egbura military uniforms and sophistication.

“The military and other security agencies in Toto LGA should effect free movement of the Bassa in locations such as Umaisha, Ugya, Shafan and Abakpa, Toto where they are stationed to keep peace. In the absence of this, the public will think otherwise,” he added.

Dogwo suggested that all electoral activities or election in Toto LGA should be put on hold until peace, law and order is restored.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram has laid siege on three villages in the outskirt of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, killing six persons and setting the affected villages ablaze.

Confirming the attacks on the three villages in a statement issued yesterday, the North East Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Bashir Garga disclosed that the three villages attacked were Wanori, Kaleri and Amarwa, all in Konduga Local Government Area.

“Suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday night burnt down three villages in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, in an attack that left six people dead.

“The insurgents attacked and set Wanori, Kaleri and Amarwa villages on fire at about 9 p.m,” the statement said.

“Villagers told rescue officials who went on assessment that the insurgents shot indiscriminately, looted food items before setting the villages on fire,” the statement added.

He said the attacks affected over 180 households.

•Sourced from THISDAY report

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