Over 30 people feared dead in Plateau violence
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Plateau State witnessed a night of terror as Kwahaslalek village in Mangu Local Government Area fell prey to a savage attack by gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday.
Shockingly, over 30 lives were claimed, with the majority being women and children who had sought refuge in the house of a community leader following earlier unrest.
Mark Haruna, a local community leader, revealed the details, noting the calculated nature of the assault during a distraction in Mangu town.
He somberly stated, “For the second time, my village Kwahaslalek came under attack… They came at about 12:30 am and killed over 25 people, mostly women and children.”
Joseph Gwankat, Chairman of the Mwaghavul Development Association, condemned the heartless act, narrating the ordeal of villagers who, in a bid for safety, had gathered in one location only to face brutality.
Gwankat expressed disbelief at the absence of security, saying, “How can people who are in their villages be targets of constant attacks and killings without anything being done to stop the perpetrators?”
In response to the escalating crisis, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu LGA on Tuesday.
This decision comes in the wake of heightened insecurity, including the Christmas Eve attacks that left over 150 dead in various local government areas.
The state police command, through spokesman Alabo Alfred, claimed to be unaware of the incident, promising an investigation.
As Plateau State grapples with the aftermath of these brutal attacks, the community remains on edge, haunted by the recurrent violence that continues to plague its villages.