Over 30 People Killed In Fresh Plateau Crisis Despite Curfew Imposed On Mangu Council

Suspected Fulani militia have killed over 30 people despite the 24-hour curfew imposed on Mangu Local Council by the Plateau State government.

The armed men launched a fresh attack on Wednesday morning in the Mangu Local Government Area, leaving 25 women and five children dead, according to a resident named Moses David.

The attacks occurred in Kwahaslalek, behind the permanent site of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Mangu, Kinat, Mairana, and other villages on the borders of Mangu and Barkin Ladi local councils.

David said that sporadic gunshots in the early hours forced women and children to seek refuge in a community leader’s house, where they were tragically killed by the attackers.

His said: “Unfortunately, the blood-thirsty terrorists followed the victims there and killed all of them. Unfortunately also, the men were not at home, but keeping vigil outside the community.

He described the situation at Sabongar village and Mangu town, which prompted Governor Caleb Mutfwang to declare a curfew on Tuesday, as a distraction.

While people in Mangu and Sabongar mourned their losses, the attackers targeted villages, unleashing terror without resistance and burning houses and property, including the popular Mangu market.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman in Mangu LGA, Rev Timothy Daluk, and Lawrence Kyarshik, the Director of Public Affairs for Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), alleged that the military aided the attackers during the violence, torching houses and destroying properties.

The CAN and the MDA questioned the failure of the troops to stop the killings and also demanded the withdrawal of the military from the crisis area.

In response, the Plateau State Government has called for a probe into the allegations of bias against troops in Mangu.

The Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, emphasized the need for security agents to investigate the claims and ensure impartiality.

He urged the people of the state to embrace peace and expressed concern about the recurring violence in communities.

“I did not personally go to Mangu but we want the security agents to look into such allegations and make sure that people don’t feel cheated or feel they have taken sides already.

“The idea behind them going to Mangu is to stop the insurrection and carnage. We cannot have our communities going through these things over and over again,” he said.

Despite the 24-hour curfew declared by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, dozens of communities were reportedly deserted due to the recent wave of violent attacks.