Plateau boils, 20 killed amid 24-hour curfew

Mangu, Plateau State, Nigeria – In a brazen act of defiance against the 24-hour curfew imposed by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Mangu, unidentified gunmen launched a brutal attack on communities in the area, resulting in the tragic loss of about 20 lives.

The assailants targeted Kwahaslalek and surrounding communities in the early hours of Wednesday, near the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp at Jakatai, Mangu Local Government Area. Sources indicate that the earlier incidents in Sabon Gari and Mangu on Tuesday were orchestrated distractions to divert security attention from the impending assault on these villages.

According to an eyewitness, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the village of Kwahaslalek, located behind the NYSC camp, was attacked around 12:30 am, leaving over 25 people dead, with a majority being women and children. The attackers not only took lives but also set homes ablaze, causing panic and chaos among the residents. Some individuals managed to escape with gunshot injuries.

Describing the horrifying events, the source stated, “At about midnight, there were sporadic gunshots, forcing women to seek refuge in the community leader’s compound. Tragically, the terrorists infiltrated the compound, targeting and killing the women while the men were keeping vigil outside.”

The violence has also led to the abandonment of nearby communities, such as Mariana, Kinat, and others in Mangu Halle District, along the borders of Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas. The affected areas now stand deserted, with residents fleeing for their lives in fear of further attacks.