The tranquil village of Tilengpat Pushit in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State was once again ravaged by gunmen, resulting in the tragic loss of twelve lives.
The assault, which claimed the lives of numerous victims, transpired during the late hours of Thursday, adding to the grim toll of violence in the region. This incident follows closely on the heels of last week’s bloodshed, wherein gunmen mercilessly killed at least ten individuals in Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle villages, situated in the Bokkos and Mangu local government areas.
Markus Argue, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, confirmed the latest wave of killings, expressing profound dismay over the senseless violence. “Indeed, our people have just been attacked again and killed for no reason,” he lamented. Argue, currently at the scene in Pushit, emphasized the particularly egregious nature of targeting women and children in their homes.
According to a community leader in Pushit identified as John, twelve lifeless bodies have been recovered thus far from the aftermath of the attack, strewn across the community and nearby bushes.
Law enforcement agencies swiftly responded to the incident, launching investigations to uncover the motives behind these abhorrent crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice. However, as of now, the Plateau State Police Command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, has been unreachable for comment.
In a separate development, women from Bokkos Local Government Area have taken to the streets in protest against the escalating violence perpetrated by gunmen in their communities. Reports indicate that the aggrieved women are marching towards the Council headquarters to voice their grievances, underscoring the profound impact of the recurrent violence on the local populace.
The recurring assaults in Plateau State underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures and concerted efforts to address the root causes of the violence, safeguarding the lives and well-being of all residents.