By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Gunmen have carried out brutal attacks on communities in the Mangu and Bokkos local government areas of Plateau State, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 12 lives.
At the time of the report, the State Police Command and Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) had not responded to the incidents as their spokesmen were unreachable. However, other reliable sources confirmed the separate attacks.
Transition Committee Chairman, Monday Kassah, confirmed the incident in Bokkos, stating, “There were multiple attacks last night, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The attackers, seen in groups of two or three on motorcycles, rampaged through Mandung, Butura, Chikam, and other communities near the State University.”
He lamented that: “There were series of attacks last (Thursday) night, claiming six lives. The attackers, visible in groups of two or three on motorcycles, rampaged through Mandung, Butura, Chikam, and other communities around the State University, all communities are in Butura District of Bokkos. security agents are here and more deployments have been made. A student of the University was shot last night in his room outside the campus and another killed this morning.”
Additionally, Registrar of the University, Yakubu Ayuba revealed that, “The University Community woke up to the sad news of another heartless attack on Chikam, resulting in the loss of a 200L Computer Science student, Dading James Jordan. Despite relentless efforts to improve security, this dastardly attack has shaken us all.
“This is coming despite the relentless effort by the Plateau State government, security agencies, the Management of the University and other stakeholders to improve the security situation on our Campus and the surrounding communities. 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 thedeceased, the student body and the University community.
“In view of this sad development, Management has declared a two-day mourning period on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th April 2024. Accordingly, all the examinations earlier scheduled for Friday, 19th April and Saturday 20th April 2024 are hereby suspended. While calling on our students to remain calm and law-abiding, we wish to call on the security agencies to beef up security around the University to secure staff and students as we look into other ways of making the University more secure.”
In a similar incident in Mangu, eyewitness Israel Bamshak reported that, “Gunmen attacked the Tilengpat community in Pushit District, Mangu, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including women and children.”
Transition Committee Chairman, Markus Artu expressed condolences and urged communities to report any suspicious activities to security agencies. He assured that the state government would prioritize the protection of lives and properties in the local government and throughout the state.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang…..Mutfwang condemns attacks, calls for calm
Responding to the incident, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Gyang Bere, condemned the escalating violence and called for calm.
Governor Mutfyemphasized the government’s dedication to restoring peace and safeguarding citizens.
The governor urged collaborative efforts for improved security and expressed sympathy for the affected families, wishing a swift recovery for the injured.
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