Gunmen have launched a deadly attack on the Tilengpat Pushit community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of twelve people.
The attacks occurred late Thursday night, following a series of recent incidents in which gunmen killed at least ten individuals in the Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle villages within the state.
Properties, including villagers’ homes, were set ablaze during the violent incident, which left several people injured.
Mangu Local Government Area Chairman, Markus Argue, confirmed the killings on Friday and expressed confusion over the targeting of women and children in their homes.
Argue stated, “Yes, it is true that our people have been attacked again and killed for no reason. As I speak to you, I’m in the affected community of Pushit. We are still assessing the situation, so I cannot give an exact figure for the victims.”
A community leader in Pushit, known simply as John, revealed that twelve dead bodies were found at the scene of the attack and in nearby bushes. The identities of the victims are yet to be disclosed, pending notification of their families.
Law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident to determine the motive behind the attacks and to apprehend those responsible for the heinous crimes.
The Plateau State Police Command Spokesman, Alabo Alfred, was not immediately available for comment, but sources from the Command headquarters in Jos reported that security forces had been deployed to the affected community.
Meanwhile, in a related development, women in Bokkos Local Government Area took to the streets to protest the renewed violent attacks by gunmen in their communities. Some residents of Bokkos said the women were marching towards the Council headquarters to voice their grievances.
More details to follow.
