Suspected gunmen kill 20, injure others in Plateau
Suspected gunmen attacked the Binper community in the Bwai District of Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 individuals.
The assault began around midnight and extended into the early hours of Tuesday, with assailants reportedly moving from house to house, attacking residents while they slept.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a violent episode last week, which left three people dead amidst rising tensions between the Fulani and Mwaghavul communities, each accusing the other of arson.
Bulus Dabit, the National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, stated that the attackers arrived in large numbers and were armed with advanced weaponry. He described how they forcibly entered homes, opening doors and assaulting sleeping residents.
“The attackers, in their numbers and with sophisticated weapons, moved from house to house, forcing their way in and attacking residents in their sleep, resulting in a significant number of casualties,” Dabit said. He confirmed that more than 20 fatalities had been recorded as of Tuesday morning, while several others sustained various degrees of injury. Additionally, he reported that some residents remain unaccounted for.
Alfred Alabo, spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, confirmed the occurrence of the attack but noted that he could not provide further details, as police operations were ongoing in the area. He also indicated that the command has not yet completed its assessment of the situation.
