Gunmen attacked communities in the Mangu Local Government area of Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people.
The attacks, which occurred on Friday morning in the Tilengpan community, were reportedly carried out by suspected terrorists who also targeted four other villages in the Bokkos communities.
The chairman of the local government, Monday Kassam, confirmed the tragic incident, revealing that the militias launched deadly assaults on multiple communities, leaving six people dead.
Among the casualties was a female student of Plateau State University, who was shot in her room during the rampage.
This incident sparked outrage among students, leading to protests in the early hours of Friday.
Expressing condemnation for the attacks, Hon. Bala Fwangje, the liaison officer to Governor Mutfwang, called for swift action from security agencies to restore peace and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said that the safety and security of the affected communities are top priorities.
In another development, the Plateau State University community mourned the loss of a 200-level computer science student, Dading James Jordan, who fell victim to an attack on Chikam, a community near the university.
This was revealed in a statement signed by the Registrar, Yakubu F. Ayube.
“Unfortunately, the enemies of the university and the state brought this dastardly attack, leading to the loss of our dear student.
“The vice-chancellor and the entire management convey their condolences to the family of the deceased, the student body and the university community.
“In view of this sad development, Management has declared a two-day mourning period on Friday 19” and Saturday 20 Apri, 2024.
“Accordingly, all the examinations earlier scheduled for Friday 19th and Saturday 20th April 2024 are hereby suspended,” the statement read.
Despite ongoing efforts to improve security in the area, the university and surrounding communities continue to face threats from external adversaries.
Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central, visited the affected areas to assess the situation and offer support to grieving families.
Expressing deep concern over the escalating violence, Sen. Plang called for collaborative efforts to restore peace and stability, promising to advocate for increased security presence and support for affected communities.
