Despite the 24-hour curfew declared by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, over 30 individuals have lost their lives in the Mangu local government area. Reports indicate that armed assailants targeted Kwahaslalek and nearby communities during the early hours of Wednesday, January 24.
Eyewitnesses reveal that the attacked communities are in close proximity to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp at Jakatai, Mangu Local Government Area.
Expressing distress, one eyewitness stated, “For the second time, my village Kwahaslalek (located behind the NYSC camp) was assaulted around 12:30 am, resulting in the tragic loss of over 25 lives, predominantly women and children. Homes were set ablaze, and several individuals sustained gunshot injuries.”
Furthermore, the eyewitness recounted a harrowing event at midnight when sporadic gunshots rang out, prompting women to seek refuge in the community leader’s compound. Shockingly, the assailants entered the compound, where they mercilessly killed the women while the men were on vigil outside the community.
The source added that Mariana, Kinat, and other communities in Mangu Halle District, as well as those on the borders of Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas, are currently deserted.
Despite the governor’s imposition of a 24-hour curfew on Tuesday, January 23, to curb further attacks, the situation remains dire.