Gunmen launched another deadly attack on the Tilengpat Pushit community in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in the tragic deaths of twelve individuals.
The assaults occurred in the early hours of Friday, adding to the escalating violence plaguing the region.
Confirming the incident, Markus Argue, Chairman of the Mangu Local Government Area, expressed dismay over the senseless killings, stating, “Yes, it is true that our people have just been attacked again and killed for no reason.”
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Argue emphasized the brutality of the attacks, particularly targeting women and children in their homes.
A community leader in Pushit, identified only as John, disclosed the grim toll of the attack, revealing, “So far, we have recovered twelve dead bodies of individuals who were brutally murdered during the attack in Pushit community.”
John highlighted ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the heinous crimes.
The Plateau State Police Command also confirmed the tragic incident, with spokesman Alabo Alfred acknowledging the Commissioner of Police’s direct engagement with affected communities.
Alfred assured residents of the authorities’ commitment to addressing the menace, stating, “The Commissioner of Police wants the good people of Plateau State to know that all hands are on deck to make sure that the menace is nipped in the bud.”
In response to the escalating violence, women in the Bokkos Local Government Area staged protests, denouncing the renewed attacks by gunmen in their communities. The protests underscored growing public outrage and demands for enhanced security measures to protect civilians.
Amid the turmoil, Plateau State University, located in Bokkos Local Government Area, announced its closure following a nearby attack that claimed the life of a 200-level student.
The Registrar of the University, Yakubu Ayuba, cited the psychological impact of the incidents on students and staff as a primary reason for the closure.
Ayuba clarified that the closure, effective immediately and lasting for ten days, aimed to mitigate security risks and restore calm to the university community.
Additionally, ongoing first-semester examinations were suspended, with plans to resume classes on Thursday, 2nd May 2024.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the renewed violence, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security measures to safeguard lives in affected areas.
Mutfwang’s condemnation echoed widespread calls for action to address the escalating insecurity threatening communities across the state.