At least 15 persons have been confirmed killed in separate attacks in Bwai and Chisu communities of Mangu local government area of Plateau State.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the incident occurred in the late night of Tuesday when residents had gone to bed. Investigation revealed that the attackers stormed the two communities simultaneously killing and setting ablaze any house on sight.
An eyewitness Bamshak Ishaya alleged that some people were killed by Fulani militias at a community leader’s house when they ran to him to seek refuge in his house during an attack at Chisu village on Tuesday night at about 11:00 pm.
It was learnt that the COCIN RCC Church in Bwai on Mangu-Bokkos Road was also burnt along with several houses, vehicles and tricycles.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the people of the community heard sporadic gunshots and ran to the residence of their community leader, unfortunately, the house was set on fire by the militiamen, and 11 burnt bodies had been picked up while the search for others is still ongoing.
“At Bwai, apart from the church, houses around the market were also burnt and a woman who sleeps in her shop was burnt too. We are not sure if there are others that are yet to be discovered,” he said.
Meanwhile, the member representing Mangu South constituency in the state assembly, Mr Bala Fwangje also confirmed the incident saying, “Around 11 pm, we had a call that herdsmen came into Chisu and Bwai, this morning we heard that about 15 people were killed, houses destroyed, several property burnt. I am yet to get the full details.”
In the same vein, the interim management committee chairman of Mangu LGA, Mr Markus Artu, told newsmen on phone that the incident happened but he does not have the details yet.
His words, “I am gathering the pieces, I am going on an on-the-spot assessment of the situation, we have conflicting reports coming, the security agencies said there was an attempt to attack but it was repelled but again, some other people are telling stories. I heard that they attempted to burn the church but they were repelled. I don’t have the facts, whatever I heard is speculative. As soon as I have them, I will let you know.”
However, the police public relations officer (PPRO) Plateau State Command, DSP Afred Alabo could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.
