As gunmen continue their onslaught against communities in Plateau State, at least fourteen people, mostly women, were burned to death, and another six were killed in different communities in Mangu and Riyom local government areas of the state in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to reports, the gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias infiltrated Bwai community around 12:34 am and set fire to a Church of Christ in the Nation (COCIN) and other properties, including motorcycles and vehicles, within the premises.
A source close to the community revealed that the clergyman and his family who lived within the church premises escaped unharmed, while the attackers went on a burning spree, targeting the market near the church.
The source further explained that the assailants moved to the neighbouring community called Chisu along the Mangu-Bokkos road. There, they unleashed terror on the residents, resulting in the death of 14 people who were burned to death.
The people of Chisu, who had received information about the attack on Bwai, sought refuge in the bush. However, some individuals, mostly women, took shelter in the house of the community leader.
“Unfortunately, those who sought shelter in the community leader’s house were trapped as the militias blocked both the entrance and exit before setting it on fire. They ensured that the people inside were burned to death,” the source said.
“When we arrived at the burned house of the community leader this morning, we discovered at least fourteen charred bodies beyond recognition. During the more than two-hour attack, the gunmen also burned down several houses and other properties.”
The source also mentioned that there was prior intelligence about the attack, which was relayed to the appropriate security agencies.
“There was an intelligence report yesterday that the gunmen were gathering at Murish, and the report was passed on to the appropriate security agencies. The people of Chisu had laid an ambush for them along the suspected route, but the attackers suddenly changed their path. When they arrived, they started burning before resorting to shooting.”
In another incident, the gunmen attacked Sambak village in Rahoss, Riyom local government area of the state, resulting in the death of six people on Tuesday around 11:00 a.m.
Hon. Bala Fwenji, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Mangu constituency, confirmed the attacks on the two communities and the fourteen people burned to death. He expressed his disappointment with the federal government, stating that the people of the state have been abandoned.
“In the less than one month that we have had a new government in place in Plateau State, we have witnessed several attacks and many lives lost, not only in Mangu but in other communities. Governor Caleb Muftwang’s administration inherited this pathetic situation, and he has made efforts within his capacity to address it,” Hon. Bala Fwenji said.
“However, it seems like we have been abandoned and forgotten by the federal government. We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to come to our aid, and we hope the new Service chiefs will take immediate action in this regard.”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, proved unsuccessful.
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