BY OUR CORRESPONDENT – Unknown gunmen on Tuesday defied the 24-hour curfew imposed on the Mangu Local Government Area by the Plateau State government to kill over 30 persons while also destroying several houses and worship centres in the attack.
The unfortunate incident, which occurred around the Kwahaslalek area and its environs, had the Sabon Layi area as the worst affected, with many business premises also razed by the marauding attackers.
However, with no official confirmation of the incident, emerging reports have residents of the affected communities accusing security agencies, especially the Military of aiding and abetting the deadly attack even as some survivors hinted that the clash at Mangu town was a distraction to launch the attack on the Kwahaslalek Community.
The Kwahaslalek Community is located close to the permanent orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Jakatai in Mangu LGA and one of those who survived the attack, Hosea Ibrahim recounted his experience to journalists thus; “What happened at Sabon Gari and Mangu, on Tuesday, was just a distraction, so that people’s attention will be shifted away from the villages.
“For the second time, my village, Kwahaslalek (behind the NYSC camp), was attacked at about 12.30 am, leaving over 30 people, mostly women and children, dead, as houses were burnt and some persons left with gunshot wounds. At about midnight, there were sporadic gunshots and women ran to one compound for safety.
“Unfortunately, the terrorists went there and killed them, while the men were keeping vigil outside the community. The victims were killed at a community leader’s house, where they ran for refuge. The Mairana, Kinat, and other communities in Mangu Halle District and those on the borders of Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local government areas are deserted now.”
A security insider, who however claimed that “Mangu town is calm”, said; “We were called in the early hours of today (yesterday) about a development around the communities close to the NYSC camp. Our people are there but the deed has been done.
“A lot of people were killed. The victims are mostly women and children. They had run to hide there because they thought the place was far away and the attackers would not go there. But the attackers were conveyed in a vehicle and dropped there before they attacked.”
Another security insider, preferring to remain anonymous because of the obvious implications, also confirmed the fears expressed by some residents alleging complicity of some military personnel as he volunteered thus; “We tried to enter the communities at about 10 am but could not because of the superior firepower from the attackers.
“Some of us had to confront some of our colleagues from a sister agency because of their perceived biased attitude. We are security personnel, we have to keep sentiments and emotions aside and help where we can. Unfortunately, when one security arm seems to give the impression of bias, how do we solve these problems and also secure the people?”
Forefront News recalled that following the deteriorating security situation in Mangu LGA, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang had declared a 24-hour curfew in the area with directives that only persons on essential duties are allowed freedom of movement within the local government until further notice.
Meanwhile, reacting to the latest development, Convener of the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), Prophet Isa El-Buba has challenged the government and relevant security agencies to up their game by taking urgent action against insecurity.
According to the fiery preacher, the Federal Government cannot continue to remain passive and insensitive to the constant killings of innocent Nigerians by criminal elements, even as he lamented that; “Security developments in Nigeria have remained alarming and worrying.”
Also expressing anger and disgust at the attack, the umbrella body of the major tribe in the Mangu LGA, Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), condemned the alleged bias displayed by some security personnel during the skirmish in the area despite the current 24-hour curfew.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Lawrence Kyarshik, said; ”The MDA is saddened by the current breakdown of law and order in Mangu town which began on Monday 22nd and continued on Wednesday 24th January 2024 without any resistance from the Security.
“This unfortunate event is currently going on under the watchful eyes of the military who have failed to give protection to law-abiding residents of Mangu. The Governor in a swift reaction to curtail the situation imposed a 24-hour curfew in Mangu Local Government only for the Fulani Jihadists to unleash mayhem on Kwahaslalek leaving over 30 people dead, houses completely razed down and properties including food items destroyed with fire.
“One then wonders how these criminals operated without any resistance from the security personnel already deployed in the Local Government. Sadly enough, a security alert received on Monday 22nd had shown that there were pending attacks in Mangu and other places, yet these carnages went on unhindered.
“As if that is not enough, even within Mangu, the Muslims took advantage of the curfew to burn down houses, killing unsuspected persons and destroying properties and Churches. The MDA frowns at the activities of some of the military personnel who appear to be complacent in carrying the constitutional duties they swore to protect all citizens of the country irrespective of tribe and religion.
“Eye witness report has it that while the military sends our people away, they watch the Muslims burn down houses seamlessly. We are losing confidence in the military with each passing moment because their actions are clear that they have taken sides.
“Consequently, we wish to demand the complete withdrawal of the military to be replaced with MOPOLS and NSCDC as the roles of the military in this conflict are highly suspicious. At the moment our people are left at the mercy of God and the little they can do in self-defence.
“The Mwaghavul nation and Christians in Mangu have co-existed peacefully with Muslims in Mangu for decades. Most of them are even our brothers who have also married our daughters. They have allowed bad elements to settle amongst them and used them against their brothers and sisters. Remember, if you are a Mwaghavul Muslim and love Mangu LGA, you will not conspire with evil people against us.”
Also in their reaction, the leadership of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC) maintained that an urgent review and rejigging of the security strategy and implementation is needed to stem the tide of insecurity on the Plateau.
According to the Chairman of PYC in Mangu LGA, Dapip Stanley; “It is disheartening to witness the lack of efficient response from the security personnel (military) in Mangu LGA. This inaction and failure to effectively address the deteriorating situation has resulted in a massive loss of confidence in their ability to protect and ensure the safety of the communities
“The continued brutality towards innocent residents by the military personnel, coupled with the lack of intervention from the security personnel, is not only exacerbating the current crisis but also creating an atmosphere of fear and helplessness among the populace residents of Mangu LGA.
Similarly, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in the state, while condemning the resurgence of violence in Mangu town, urged the government and security agencies to work hard at securing the lives and property of the people in Plateau State and the country in general.
Speaking through its Secretary in the state, Salim Umar, the JNI said; “We call on the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in securing the lives and properties of the inhabitants of Mangu and other flash points. All concerned should also do everything possible to prevent any possible escalation. Security agents should be on the lookout for possible infiltrators.
“All hands must be on deck and by all relevant stakeholders to restore peace and order in Mangu LGA and other affected communities. Peace is priceless. We all must strive to restore sanity in an open and unbiased manner by all stakeholders.”
