Plateau Attack: Over 30 Killed, 50 Houses Burnt

The attack has heightened concerns over the security situation in Mangu and the wider Plateau State, where several communities have suffered deadly attacks in recent years.

More than 30 people were reportedly killed and over 50 houses, shops and food barns burnt after suspected terrorists attacked Jwak Maitumbi community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday.

Several others were also injured in the attack, while churches, health centres, farms and other properties were reportedly destroyed.

A resident and youth leader in the community, Lonji Zuhumnan, who confirmed the incident on Monday, said the attackers, numbering more than 100 and armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the community around 7:30 a.m.

According to him, the gunmen opened fire on residents for several hours, forcing many to flee for safety.

“Several people were gunned down by the attackers. At the end of the carnage, we counted over 30 dead bodies while several others were injured,” Zuhumnan said.

He said the attackers also set more than 50 houses, shops, health centres, churches and food barns ablaze, while large quantities of crops were destroyed.

Zuhumnan further alleged that the gunmen invaded farmlands and destroyed crops before fleeing into nearby bushes and rocky areas.

He expressed disappointment over the delayed response of security operatives, saying distress calls for help went unanswered until the attackers had completed their operation.

“The soldiers did not come until the attackers had finished their mission and fled into the bushes and rocks,” he said.

The attack has heightened concerns over the security situation in Mangu and the wider Plateau State, where several communities have suffered deadly attacks in recent years.