*As yet to be identified gunmen kill 10 persons in Mangu Local Government Area
*Attackers stormed Kulben community late Sunday night, started shooting sporadically
*The incident also left several houses belonging to villagers burnt down
*Senator representing Plateau Central confirmed attack, condemns shedding of innocent blood
By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed 10 persons after they invaded Kulben community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday.
It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the community and started shooting sporadically.
The Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, Diket Plang, and the Chairman of Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) in Kombun District, Dr Elisha, also confirmed the attack, saying from the information they got, 10 persons were killed during the invasion.
One of the residents of Kulben village, Moses Fwan who confirmed the unfortunate incident to newsmen in Jos said the incident which took place late Sunday night, left several houses belonging to villagers destroyed by the gunmen.
“Presently, our people are mourning the gruesome killing of their kinsmen and arrangements are ongoing to conduct mass burial for the victims”, he said.
It would be recalled that the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Plateau state chapter had alleged that in August this year, no fewer than 130 people were killed while over 1000 buildings were burnt in 22 villages in various communities in the state.
The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, said: “It is with deep concern that I address the nation on the recent resurgence of mindless killings of innocent citizens in Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria.”
“The killings, which started in Mangu villages on Monday, May 15, 2023, by so-called unknown gunmen have claimed many lives and property with many persons still missing.
“The villages affected include Fungzai, Hale, Kubwat, Bwoi and many other communities of the Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area and some communities in the Riyom Local Government Area.
“According to reports, about 130 people were killed, about 1,000 buildings burnt and about 22 villages affected. We condemn these barbaric acts in the strongest terms possible. It is disheartening to see innocent citizens being killed and their properties destroyed in such a gruesome manner.
“While we appreciate the efforts of the security forces to maintain peace, we call on the government and law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice and to ensure the protection of lives and property of all citizens.
“As a religious leader, I implore all parties involved to embrace peace and dialogue as a means of resolving their differences.
“Violence only begets more violence and we must break this cycle if we are to build a peaceful and prosperous society”, the Bishop pleaded in the statement.
