Gunmen Attack Community in Plateau, Many Killed

Gunmen have attacked Binper community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing many people and injuring several others.

The attack happened between Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday, according to residents who spoke to Vanguard Newspapers.

A resident, Daniel Musa, shared with the newspaper that the armed attackers moved from house to house, attacking people.

“Our village came under attack last night and in the early hours of today, Tuesday, by heavily armed persons,” Mr Musa said.

“They were moving from house to house, opening the doors of people who were sleeping and slaughtering them.

“As of this morning, we have confirmed over 20 deaths, while several others sustained serious injuries and some people are still missing.”

PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm the resident’s claim independently.

Another resident, John Dalyop, also confirmed the attack and described the situation as “terrible.”

Mr Dalyop said some of the injured had been taken to nearby hospitals, while residents and community leaders were trying to find those still missing.

He urged the government to strengthen security in Mangu and other communities seen as vulnerable to attacks.

“We expected the new commissioner of police in the state to act quickly and go after those responsible,” he said.

Death toll unconfirmed

As of the time of filing this report, PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm the reported death toll.

A video circulating on social media, attributed to conflict reporter Masara Kim, showed a large group of women walking together in what looked like a village. Some were carrying fresh leaves while crying.

The details about the video, like when and where it was recorded, could not be confirmed.

PREMIUM TIMES reached out to the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, for confirmation.

However, after the call was introduced, Mr Alabo disconnected. Subsequent calls to him were not answered or returned.

Fresh security concerns

This reported attack adds to a string of deadly incidents in Plateau State in recent weeks.

PREMIUM TIMES recently reported the killing of former councillor of Rim Ward in Riyom Local Government Area, Daniel Chong, often called “Hon. Star,” during a late-night attack in Torok community.

The newspaper also reported the killing of two security operatives after gunmen ambushed a joint security patrol along the Ganawuri-Sabon Gida Road in Riyom. The attackers reportedly took the operatives’ service rifles.

After the ambush, troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested 19 people in Tongoron community, Riyom, for profiling and investigation as security agencies stepped up cordon-and-search operations in the area.

The state has seen attacks on civilians and other security issues in recent months, raising concerns about the ability of security agencies to protect rural communities.

The latest attack comes just a week after Ayodeji Faniyan took office as the 47th commissioner of police in Plateau State.

At his first press conference on August 14, Mr Faniyan promised to focus on crime prevention, intelligence-led policing, and protecting lives and property.

He also urged residents to share timely information with security agencies and assured that the police would respond quickly to security breaches.

The attack in Mangu is likely to reignite calls for a stronger security presence, better intelligence gathering, and faster response in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.