16 Killed, Others Injured As Gunmen Attack Plateau Community

Gunmen on Saturday afternoon attacked Lisham Kwahasnat community of Mangu local government area of Plateau State, killing 16 people and leaving many others injured.

The gunmen suspected to be killer herdsmen stormed according to an eye witness, stormed the community in large numbers at about 10:45 p.m. when the inhabitants were preparing to go to bed.

On entry into the community, the gunmen were reported to have opened fire on the residents at random and shot anyone onsite.

The eye witness added that the operation which lasted for about an hour, left 16 people killed while those who sustained injuries were taken to Mangu General Hospital for treatment.

The eyewitness further stated that the 16 people killed were given a mass burial today, Sunday, amid tension and apprehension by people within the vicinity of the burial and the entire local government area.

Confirming the incident, the National President, Mangu Development Association (MDA), Sir Joseph Gwankat, said the latest attack was a rude shock to all the peace-loving people of the council and the entire state.

He said the natives had been having series of peace meetings, adding that the last of such meetings convened by the military was held last week on Monday.

According to him, “The latest attack was a big surprise to us. The Fulani herdsmen came last night and unleashed terror on the people of this community, killing 16 people and injuring others. Those who sustained injuries are at the hospital. We just buried the 16 that were killed.

“I found it difficult to explain because we had met several times with the Fulani people. Just last week, we had a meeting with the Fulani and the natives under the auspices of the organ set up by the GOC, and it was well attended. We resolved to embrace peace, but in spite of this, these people are still attacking. It means we are not telling each other the truth. As long as what we say is not what we do, this thing will continue.

“We have conceded a lot, and each time we have a peace meeting, whatever we say is not what we do. As long as there is an attack, this thing will continue. If they stop the attack today, all the crises will stop. Whatever happened is just a fallback on the previous attack.

“We have talked to our boys and they have embraced peace, but they still keep coming to attack us, killing people like animals. How do we have peace in the midst of all these killings? This is just an act of terrorism.”