In a shocking turn of events, gunmen have defied the 24-hour curfew imposed by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and invaded Kwahaslalek village in the Mangu community, resulting in the death of over 25 individuals.
Tragically, the victims were predominantly women and children who had sought refuge in the house of a community leader.
This violent attack comes after earlier unrest in Mangu town, where the gunmen rounded up the victims and mercilessly slaughtered them at the community leader’s residence.
In addition to the loss of lives, several houses were also set ablaze in the village, which is located near the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp.
A resident of the affected community, Mr. Hosea Ibrahim, said that the skirmishes that happened in Mangu town Wednesday were a decoy to distract attention from the villagers so they could have their way.
He said: “For the second time, Kwahaslalek has come under attack by gunmen in recent days. They came at about 12:30 am and killed over 25 people, mostly women and children.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Mwaghavul Development Association, Mr. Joseph Gwankat, also confirmed the killing, describing it as horrible.
He said: “I couldn’t sleep last night as a result of what happened in Mangu town on Tuesday. Now, I have just been told that Kwahaslalek village was attacked last night and about 30 people were killed.
“From what I was told, the unrest in Mangu town yesterday created fears in many communities. Some people in the village went and evacuated their loved ones and assembled them in a place that they thought was safe.
“So, in the night, the killers went to Kwahaslalek village where the people, mostly women and children, were assembled and killed all of them.
“I was told that no security man was on ground to defend the villagers. This act is pure wickedness! How can people who are in their villages be targets of constant attacks and killings without anything being done to stop the perpetrators?”
Meanwhile, Mairana, Kinat and other communities in Mangu Halle district and those on the borders of Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas are currently deserted.
Alabo said: “I have not received any report on that. Let me call my commander. We will investigate the incident.”
Mutfwang had imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu LGA on Tuesday to forestall the escalation of unrest that left several houses, including churches and mosques, burnt down.
