Gunmen kill 50 in Plateau attacks

Gunmen have killed no fewer than 50 people after invading some communities in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, confirmed the killing at a luncheon organised by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Mangu on Monday, December 25, 2023.

Mutfwang, who expressed dismay over the spate of attacks and wanton destruction of farmlands and other property by gunmen, promised to adopt stringent measures in tackling insecurity in the state.

The governor said: ”From intelligence reports available to me, at least 50 persons have been killed in Mangu and Bokkos in the last 48 hours.

”This is unacceptable. Enough is enough. These stupid, senseless, and unprovoked acts must stop.

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”However, no amount of attacks will break the spirit of Plateau people, we remain resolute and determined to progress as a people.”

He further thanked the troops for their unrelenting efforts in the fight against insecurity in Plateau State and promised to support the military and other security agencies to secure the state.

Governor Mutfwang added: “That way, we will prevent some hoodlums, who usually hide under the attacks, to perpetrate other crimes, such as cattle rustling, armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, and other crimes.

“We will also strengthen other security agencies to complement the efforts of the military in tackling insecurity in the state.”

Also speaking at the event, the Commander of OPSH, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, said his troops responded to the attacks.

Abubakar said: “In the last 48 hours, we have responded to 36 distress calls from different locations, simultaneously.

”As we speak, some of our men are in hospital due to the injuries sustained in attacks.

”But we are committed to ensuring that we put a stop to all criminal activities in Plateau State.”

The Star