Tragic attacks leave 18 dead in Plateau State
By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
In a devastating turn of events, Tilengpan community in Mangu Local Government area of Plateau State became a scene of horror as gunmen struck, leaving no fewer than 18 people feared dead. The violence, which unfolded on Friday morning, marks yet another grim chapter in the ongoing unrest plaguing the region.
Reports indicate that the attack follows closely on the heels of violence in four Bokkos communities on Thursday, April 18. In the latest wave of bloodshed, 12 individuals were reportedly killed in Mangu villages, with an additional six lives lost in four Bokkos communities. Among the victims was a university student, adding to the toll of senseless violence that has gripped the area.
Eyewitnesses from the affected communities allege that a group of terrorists orchestrated the onslaught, targeting Tilengpan community and four villages in the Bokkos region. The brutality of the attacks has sent shockwaves throughout the area, prompting swift condemnation and calls for action from local authorities and community leaders.
Monday Kassam, chairman of the local government, confirmed the tragic events, detailing how militias descended upon the communities, leaving death and destruction in their wake. Despite the presence of security forces, the assailants brazenly carried out their deadly mission, unleashing chaos and sparking widespread fear and outrage.
ALSO READ: Court fixes May 9 to hear Agunloye’s N1bn suit against EFCC for publishing his name on wanted list
In the aftermath of the violence, residents are reeling from the loss of loved ones and the trauma of yet another senseless tragedy. Amidst the grief and sorrow, calls for justice and accountability echo across the region, as communities demand swift action to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further bloodshed.
Government officials and community leaders have joined forces to condemn the attacks and offer support to the affected families. Hon. Bala Fwangje, speaking on behalf of the Liaison office for Mangu South State Constituency, called upon security agencies to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of residents. The statement also emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the root causes of the violence, underscoring the urgency of addressing the underlying tensions fueling the unrest.
The Plateau State University community mourns the loss of one of its own, a promising student whose life was tragically cut short in the violence. The university management has declared a period of mourning and suspended exams as a mark of respect for the fallen student and all those impacted by the senseless violence.
Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central, visited the affected communities to assess the situation and offer support to the grieving families. Expressing deep concern over the escalating violence, Sen. Plang pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the people of Plateau Central. He called for a united effort to address the root causes of the violence and prevent further tragedies, promising to advocate for increased security measures and support for affected communities.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of yet another wave of violence, the need for lasting peace and stability has never been more urgent. The tragic loss of life serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the imperative of finding lasting solutions to the longstanding grievances tearing communities apart.
