With the number of deaths from unofficial sources topping 30, and the Police yet to disclose official figures, there is palpable tension in Mangu local government area (LGA) from where the governor-elect, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang hails. He was also a chairman of the LGA years ago.
To forestall reprisal attacks, the Mangu Local Government Chairman, Minister Daput, has imposed a stay at home order, he said was agreed on after consultation with security heads as means of restoring law and order in the affected communities as well as avoid the situation from getting out of hand considering the numbers of casualty involved in the attack.
Some residents are claiming it was Fulani militia that carried out the attacks in two communities in Bwoi District of the LGA.
The victims of the gory incident are said to be mostly women and children, a recurring decimal in the state for more than a decade.
The Plateau State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the incident. In a statement, he said: “The Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, Bartholomew Onyeka has expressed his sadness to the good people of Plateau State on the unfortunate incident that took place in Bwoi District of Mangu LGA, which has claimed the lives of yet to be identified persons from various villages within the area.
“On 15th May, 2023, at about 11:56 hours, a distress call was received from one of our Police officers in charge of Tanknale village of Mangu LGA that some unknown gunmen are shooting sporadically in a nearby village.
“Upon receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, Bartolomew Onyeka immediately mobilised all Command assets to the scene to ensure that the suspects are arrested and brought to book.
“Further information from the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID, ACP Bawa Sale, who was also present at the scene, reveals that with help from other security agencies in the command, a very hot chase was given to the hoodlums.
“Due to our heavy firepower, the hoodlums abandoned about four motorcycles which are presently in the custody of the STF and one Sharon vehicle with Plateau State registration number (MGU 988 HK ) and some items used for their nefarious activities.
“As we speak, the culprits are on the run while our officers are still on their trail with the aim to ensure that they are neutralized and if possible, arrested.
“The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, assures the good people of Plateau State that all necessary measures are being put in place to ensure peace and forestall any future occurrence of such inhuman acts.”
“The CP also urges the residents of the State to continue to offer the Police all necessary intelligence as doing so will go a long way to help the Police in investigation.
“Further developments concerning the incident will be communicated to you in due course.”
In a statement, the spokesman to Governor Simon Lalong woke up Tuesday 16th May 2023 to distressing news of an overnight attack on Kubat Village in Mangu Local Government where some persons including women and children were reportedly killed.
He adds that the governor was seriously disturbed about the sad development and has immediately directed security forces to pursue the attackers and ensure they are arrested.
Lalong described the bloodbath as yet another attempt by crises merchants and criminals to return the State to the dark days of pain and agony, vowing that the Government will stop at nothing to ensure that those behind this scheme are dealt with mercilessly.
“While condemning the act, the Governor commiserates with the victims and assures that the murderers will not be allowed to go unpunished as this is an act that can neither be tolerated or excused no matter the motivation.
“The Governor has equally directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to visit the area and ascertain the humanitarian need so as to bring succour to the affected while thorough investigation is being carried out,” Dr. Macham added.