Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias, on Monday night, attacked two villages in Mangu local government area of Plateau State where 29 persons were reportedly killed and several others injured.
Survivors report that the heavily armed gunmen invaded the villages of Kubwat and Fungzai in Mangu at about 9pm where they attacked the helpless villagers and also burnt down several houses as well as stealing food items and livestock before leaving.
A resident of Fungzai community, John Yakubu, who confirmed the attacks on Tuesday, said that in Fungzai village alone, the gunmen killed 15 persons, including the wife of his younger brother and her children while a total of 29 corpses had been recovered
“It was last night, the gunmen arrived in large numbers and started shooting. The panicky villagers started running but unknown to them, other gunmen laid ambush and shot at those trying to run away.
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“As I’m talking to you, I am in Fungzai village. The attackers killed 15 persons here in Fungzai including the wife and children of my younger brother last night.
“They also attacked Kubwat, a neighbouring village. So far, we have recovered a total of 29 corpses including women and children. We are in pain.”
Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed worry over the attacks.
A statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, said:
“Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, woke up Tuesday May 16, 2023, to distressing news of an overnight attack on Kubwat Village in Mangu Local Government Area where some persons, including women and children were reportedly killed.
“Governor Lalong who is seriously disturbed about the sad development has immediately directed security forces to pursue the attackers and ensure they are arrested.
“He describes this as yet another attempt by crisis merchants and criminals to return the State to the dark days of pain and agony, vowing that the Government will stop at nothing to ensure that those behind this scheme are dealt with mercilessly.
“While condemning the act, the Governor commiserates with the victims and assures that the murderers will not be allowed to go unpunished as this is an act that can neither be tolerated nor excused no matter the motivation.
“The Governor has equally directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to visit the area and ascertain the humanitarian need to bring succour to the affected while a thorough investigation is being carried out.”