The Special Task Force (STF) has said Senator Gyang Dantong and Hon James Gyang Fulani died on Sunday following a stampede during which they slumped and could not be revived but they were not shot as was widely reported.

Commander of the Task Force, Major General Henry Ayoola who held a briefing around midnight of Sunday, said Rep Simon Davou Mwapkon who represents Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives who similarly slumped had been treated and discharged from hospital.

The STF Commander said, “Today (Sunday), at about 2.00pm during the burial of the diseased persons of Maseh Village, there was sporadic shooting from the range of the hills surrounding the area which led to a stampede, in the course of which three honourable legislators slumped and were rushed to the hospital.

“Unfortunately, Senator Gyang Dantong (Plateau North Senatorial District) and Hon James Gyang Fulani of the Plateau State House of Assembly died, while Hon Simon Mwapkon of the Federal House of Representatives survived and has been discharged.”

He said about 63 people had been confirmed dead following the incident that took place on Saturday, July 7, when “unknown gunmen attacked Kakuruk and about eight neighbouring villages in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas.”

He said the search for the assailants was on and called on members of the public to volunteer any information that could help in unravelling the case.

He assured that the situation in the affected areas had been brought under control but advised residents where a partial curfew had been imposed to abide by it.

Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, placed a curfew on Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas where tension rose Sunday especially after it became known that Senator Gyang Dantong and Hon James Gyang Fulani had died.

source www.dailytrust.com.ng