At least 30 individuals lost their lives in Plateau State during an early morning attack on Kwahaslalek village in Mangu Local Government Area. The assailants, armed gunmen, targeted the vulnerable victims, most of whom were women and children.
The tragedy unfolded as the victims sought refuge in the house of a community leader on Tuesday night, following unrest in Mangu town earlier in the day. Unfortunately, the attackers surrounded them, resulting in the brutal killing of all who had sought shelter.
Mark Haruna, a community leader, confirmed the devastating death toll, emphasizing that the previous disturbances in Sabon Gari and Mangu town served as distractions to divert attention away from vulnerable villages.
Joseph Gwankat, Chairman of Mwaghavul Development Association, condemned the ruthless act, expressing disbelief at the continuous attacks on villages without adequate security measures. He revealed that the killers struck in the night, taking advantage of the fear instilled by the day’s unrest.
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, had declared a 24-hour curfew in Mangu Local Government Area on Tuesday, aiming to quell the escalating violence. However, the recent attack underscores the persistent challenges, as the violence continues despite the curfew.
The Special Task Force in the area, Operation Safe Heaven, responded to the situation, reinforcing troops to enforce the curfew and control the deteriorating security conditions. The troops successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning properties, as well as recovering weapons.
The state remains on edge, still recovering from the Christmas Eve attacks that claimed over 150 lives in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi. Governor Mutfwang expressed concern about the escalating security situation, vowing to restore peace and order.
Amidst these events, a spokesperson for the state police command, Alabo Alfred, stated that he had not received a report on the recent attack when contacted, indicating ongoing challenges in information dissemination.
In a related development, the Special Task Force issued a statement addressing baseless accusations against the military, emphasizing its commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the constitutional role of protecting citizens’ lives and property. The statement warned against spreading falsehoods and affirmed the military’s dedication to restoring peace and security in the region.
