Seven killed as soldiers, residents clash in Plateau

No fewer than seven persons were reportedly killed in Vom, Kuru, Jos South Local Government, Plateau State, on Monday during a clash between the Special Task Force and youths in the area. The youth were said to be protesting against the killing of one of them by gunmen on Sunday night when they were confronted by soldiers attached to the STF.
The gunmen were said to have attacked some people who were relaxing at a beer palour, killing one  and injuring another.
Our  correspondent learnt that the enraged youths blocked the Abuja – Jos road and the Manchok – Vom road, molesting motorists and other passers-by.
However, when the soldiers stormed to the area, the youth were said to have hurled stones and other objects at them, forcing the soldiers to open fire.
In the process, six of the protesters were said to have been killed while others sustained gunshot wounds.
At least 10 of the protesters were reprotedly arrested by the STF.
However,  the STF Media Officer, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, said nobody was killed by the soldiers.
He said the only casualty was the man killed by gunmen the previous night.
He said, “Our men were sent to that area to restore calm when youths blocked the road and started molesting road users. But I can confirm to you that only one person was killed by the gunmen and the soldiers did not kill anybody.
“We ask everybody to be law-abiding so that we all can celebrate the New Year in peace.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the protesters destroyed the only bridge in the area  and damaged streetlights as well as burning a car and an STF checkpoint.
Mustapha told NAN,  “The youth have destroyed one part of the bridge, only one part is passable and vehicles must queue up to take their turns from opposite directions.’’
The STF spokesman added, “The bullets were fired indiscriminately by gunmen, who quickly ran away. The bullets were not fired at anyone in particular.
“We want to focus on fishing out the gunmen but the protest is distracting us.
“The youth also drilled holes on the highway and the STF men have been trying to refill the holes.
“No fewer than 10 of the protesters have been arrested.”