By Uzair Adam Imam
Tragedy struck yet again in Plateau State as communities in the Mangu and Bokkos local government areas fell victim to renewed attacks, resulting in an undisclosed number of casualties.
Although the State Police Command and Operation Safe Haven (OpSH) have yet to officially respond because their spokespersons are unavailable, credible sources have confirmed the separate incidents.
According to Monday Kassah, the Transition Committee Chairman of Bokkos, there were multiple attacks on Thursday night, claiming six lives.
The attackers, reportedly riding motorcycles in groups of two or three, unleashed violence in Mandung, Butura, Chikam, and other communities around the state university, all within the Bokkos District of Butura. Security reinforcements have been deployed to the area, but the assailants remain active.
Tragically, a university student was shot dead outside the campus, with another falling victim to the violence the following morning. Yakubu Ayuba, the registrar of the university, lamented the loss of a 200-level computer science student named Dading James Jordan in the attack on Chikam.
Despite concerted efforts by the state government, security agencies, and university management to enhance security, the assailants struck, claiming the life of a promising student.
In response, the university has declared a two-day mourning period, suspending all exams scheduled for the affected days. Management urged students to remain calm while calling for increased security measures around the campus.
In Mangu, reports indicate that attackers descended on the Tilengpat community in the Pushit District, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals.
Expressing his condemnation of the violence, State Governor Caleb Mutfwang appealed for calm, assuring citizens, especially students, of the government’s commitment to their safety.
He pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators while emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to enhance security in the region.
Governor Mutfwang extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and victims, urging swift recovery for the injured.