A gang of killer herdsmen has killed 142 villagers in Plateau State. 

The BBC reported that 135 villagers had been killed on Sunday, however, a Plateau government spokesperson confirmed to Peoples Gazette that 142 people had been killed and more bodies are still coming in.

On Sunday, villagers were attacked in Kanam local government area of Plateau State by rampaging armed men who killed and burnt houses.

The communities of Kukawa, Gyambawu, Dungur, Kyaram, Yelwa, Dadda, Wanka, Shuwaka, Gwammadaji, and Dadin Kowa were affected by the attacks.

Witnesses noted that security forces did not intervene in the raids which lasted for 24 hours, leaving the attackers to kill, maim and plunder undisturbed. 

At the time of filing this report, attempts to reach the State Police Command, Gabriel Uba, proved abortive as phone calls were not picked up.

However, Ishaku Takwa of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) confirmed the attack to journalists on Sunday in Jos.

The attack has drawn condemnation from Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, who has vowed to make it difficult for terrorists and other criminals.

Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi, representing Pankshin, Kanam, Kanke (PKK) in the House of Representatives, condemned the attacks in a statement while commiserating with the victims families.