By Chibuike Nkwede
At least 24 people have been killed and several others injured after gunmen invaded Bin-Per community in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving homes and farmlands destroyed and residents in shock.
The attack reportedly occurred between Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday, when heavily armed assailants moved through the community, breaking into homes and attacking residents who were asleep.
Residents said the attackers operated from house to house, with some victims reportedly killed inside their homes.
An eyewitness, Daniel Musa, said the community woke up to a devastating scene, with more than 24 deaths confirmed and several residents still unaccounted for.
He said several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Another resident, John Dalyop, described the attack as horrific and called on the authorities to urgently strengthen security around vulnerable communities across Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.
Dalyop also urged the newly deployed Commissioner of Police in the state to move swiftly to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings.
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement confirmed the death toll at 24, saying several residents were injured while houses were reportedly set ablaze and crops destroyed.
The movement’s Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Sunday, expressed deep grief and anger over the attack, warning that repeated assaults on rural communities were threatening both lives and the agricultural livelihoods of residents.
The group also questioned the effectiveness of existing security arrangements, particularly given the vulnerability of communities that have repeatedly come under attack.
Women protest killings
Amid the devastation, women from Bin-Per staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday, marching through the community with leaves in their hands to express their grief and demand urgent government intervention.
The protesters lamented the loss of husbands, children, relatives and other members of their community, while calling on the government to take stronger measures to protect residents.
One of the protesters, Ladi Joshua, said the killings had left families devastated and fearful for their safety.
The protest came as the 24 victims were laid to rest in a mass burial attended by community members and leaders.
President of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement, Kyesmang Jonathan, said 24 victims had so far been buried, while injured residents remained in hospitals receiving treatment.
He described the incident as a painful loss to the community and condemned the continued attacks on innocent residents.
Governor orders tighter security
Following the attack, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols in Mangu and other vulnerable areas.
The governor, through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, condemned the killings and described the incident as a disturbing development capable of undermining efforts to sustain peace across the state.
Security personnel were subsequently deployed to the affected community to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
Community leaders and residents were also said to be working to determine the whereabouts of those still missing.
Meanwhile, Plateau State chapter of the African Democratic Congress condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.
The party’s state scribe, Jude Dakur, expressed concern over the killing of residents inside their homes and the destruction of houses, farmlands and other property.
He said the recurring attacks must not be allowed to become a permanent feature of life in Plateau State.
US lawmaker reacts
The killings have also attracted attention in the United States, with Congressman Riley Moore urging the US Department of State to retain Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom concerns.
Reacting to reports of the Plateau attack, Moore said the violence in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt should not be overlooked.
He argued that attacks on Christian communities in the region remained a serious concern and urged Washington not to remove the CPC designation.
Residents of Bin-Per in Plateau State are now left to mourn their dead, treat the wounded and rebuild homes and livelihoods damaged by the latest violence, as calls intensify for stronger security measures to prevent further attacks.