More than 30 individuals lost their lives in an attack by gunmen on Kwahaslalek village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Punch reports.
The victims, predominantly women and children, had sought refuge in the house of a community leader on Tuesday night following earlier unrest in Mangu town.
Community leader Mark Haruna confirmed the death toll, stating that the attack occurred around 12:30 am, with the assailants targeting the gathered villagers. Haruna revealed that the violence in Mangu town during the day was a distraction to divert attention from the vulnerable villages.
Joseph Gwankat, Chairman of Mwaghavul Development Association, condemned the killings as callous, expressing shock that villagers were continually targeted without adequate security measures. The attackers reportedly took advantage of the fear generated by the unrest in Mangu town, seizing the opportunity to strike at Kwahaslalek village.
The state police command spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, stated that he had yet to receive a report on the incident. Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared a 24-hour curfew in Mangu LGA, citing the deteriorating security situation and unrest that led to the burning of houses, churches, and mosques.
