Armed men have reportedly killed twenty residents of Kubwat and Fungzai communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
An eye witness account revealed that the incident happened late Monday night.
According to a resident of one communities, John Yakubu, fifteen persons, inclusing his younger brother’s wife and two children were killed in Fungzai community.
Yakubu said, “On Monday night, gunmen arrived in large numbers and started shooting. The panicky villagers started running helter skelter but unknown to them that other gunmen had laid an ambush somewhere in the community. They shot at those trying to run away. As I am talking to you, I am in Fungzai village. The attackers killed 15 persons here (Fungzai) including my younger brother’s wife and two children 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, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has condemned the attacks, which he described as shocking.
In a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, the governor said he woke up on Tuesday May 16, 2023 to the distressing news of an overnight attack on Kubat Village in Mangu Local Government Area.
The statement read: “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 described 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.”
