JUST-IN: Many Feared Killed As Gunmen Invade Plateau Communities

Many residents were feared dead following the invasion of Murish community in Mangu LGA of Plateau State by suspected gunmen late Sunday night.

According to a source, who did not want his name in print, he said the gunmen stormed the community at about midnight  and started shooting sporadically.

He added that several other persons sustained various degrees of injuries and were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA) while confirming the attack, expressed sadness at the ugly turn of events in Mangu Local Government Area of the State where disturbing reports indicated a deteriorating security situation in some parts of the locality that has led to the death of scores of precious human lives and property destroyed.

The Director General of the Agency, Dr. Joseph Lengmang, in a statement issued in Jos on Monday lamented that the current attack was coming on the heels of pockets of attacks recorded in some parts of Barkin Ladi and Jos North LGAs in the last few days.

He pointed out that the agency condemned in totality this resurgence of violence because of its potential to throw the state back into those dark days where human lives and property were destroyed at the slightest provocation.

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He commiserated with all those that have been affected by the  unfortunate development especially those who lost loved ones while praying for the quick recovery of persons who sustained various degrees of injuries.

According to the DG, the attacks in Murish village, Bokkos LGA and Jwak Mai Tumbi in Mangu LGA were an orchestrated attempt to instill fear in the minds of the people even as the wet season sets in.

He urged security operatives to go after the retrogressive elements in order to arrest the deteriorating security situation.

PPBA also called on the traditional institutions in the affected communities, the elders, youth, women and community leaders to rise up to their responsibilities by prevailing on their subjects to tow the path of peace in resolving all issues of conflict through dialogue and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms rather than taking up arms that would only lead to a vicious cycle of internecine violence.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, also confirmed the incident .

He said there were reports that an attack took place in the communities, but the Police did not have  concrete information at the moment.

He added that the DPO and the Area Commander were currently on top of the situation, promising that as soon as they come up with a detailed report, “we will be able to say much on it.”