Plateau Killings: Bandits attacked us again killed over 25 people– Resident
Joseph Irikefe
Regardless of the curfew imposed in Mangu by the Governor of Plateau State Caleb Mutfwang, dare-devil bandits attacked the outskirts of Mangu town in Plateau State and killed about 30 residents in a community this morning.
A source, resident in Mangu town of Plateau State, who spoke to Advocacy Times on anonymity said that nobody expected that the bandits will rise up from that axis with the curfew intact.
He regretted that what happened two days ago in which eight people lost their lives in Mangu headquarters was just a decoy for the armed bandits to concentrate on the hinterland where there is no uniformed personnel to look after the people.
“What happened at Sabon gari Mangu yesterday was just a distraction so that people’s attention will be shifted away from the villages.
” For the second time my village Kwahaslalek (Behind NYSC camp) yesterday night about 12:30 am was attacked leaving over 25 people mostly women and children killed as houses were burnt and some with gun shots.
” The same attacks took place at Kinat, Mairana and other villages on the borders of Mangu and B/Ladi LGAs and we are told that the casualties may have risen to over 30 souls lost.
Reps Lalu condemns resurgence of attacks
Reacting to the willful genocide committed by the bandits on rampage, Ishaya Lalu, the member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency in the lower chamber of the National Assembly from Plateau State, told newsmen that he received with rude shock and total disbelief the wiping away of his people in spite of an earlier curfew.
He condemned in the strongest terms, the news of the “unprovoked attacks” on Mangu communities and its escalation within the city center resulting in the loss of precious lives and wanton destruction of houses, worship centres and properties worth millions of naira.
Lalu in a statement maintained that the renewed attacks were another gruesome attempt to reintroduce and reinforce the era of violence against the peaceful co-existence and harmonious embrace of the people.
He viewed the recurring attacks as the latest organized pogrom carefully crafted and executed against the citizens of Plateau to ridicule their industrious pedigrees and bring their hospitable nature to public disregard.
Lalu however commended the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang for his quick intervention which resulted in the imposition of a 24 hour curfew on Mangu town and environs which indeed reduced the stampede and tension which gripped the residents two days q.
He further commended the leadership of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Mangu Traditional Council and spirited individuals for rising swiftly into action to de-escalate the attacks.
The politician stated that he recognizes and appreciates the display of professionalism and application of timely wisdom by the security agencies in stemming the tide of the unprovoked attacks in that axis.
The reps member expressed his heartfelt sympathy even as he conveyed his condolences on behalf of the National Assembly to those families and relations who lost their beloved members in cold blood and prayed God to grant them inspirational comfort and the courage to bear their painful exit.
Also reacting to the sad development President Mwaghavul Development Association, Joseph Gwankat, confirmed that the attack occurred after midnight on Tuesday while residents assembled at a compound in a village to observe the curfew imposed on the council area by the government.
Over 30 people were believed to have been slaughtered when the head counts were made at first light.