There is palpable tension in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State after suspected Fulani herdsmen reportedly sacked 32 communities, forcing nine Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps to spring up.
Community sources said on Thursday that 200 people were killed between May 15 and May 17, 2023 and properties valued at several millions of Naira.
Lamenting the killings and destruction of the communities, one of the residents said that 37 people were killed on Monday night, while accusing the security agencies of aiding Fulani herdsmen in the attacks.
The source said: “I attended a meeting yesterday (Wednesday), about what is happening in Mangu Local Government Area. Over 200 people were recorded killed between Monday May 15 and Wednesday May 17, 2023. Thirty two communities have been completely displaced with nine Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDPs) with over 15,000 people.
“From the record 1,292 households with 3,951 children, 2,701 women and 2,140 men were all displaced. There are no security agencies there, the securities are only going there to visit for a few minutes and go.”
The source, who did not want to be mentioned in the media, further said that some parts of Kanke and Riyom were attacked on Wednesday.
It was reported on Wednesday evening that some communities in the Riyom area of Plateau State were under armed attacks by herdsmen.
The attack, which started Wednesday evening, happened at Jol and Bayei villages in Riyom. Two people were later confirmed killed while one person was fatally injured in the attack.
Governor Simon Lalong confirmed the incident which he described as a sad development, while directing security forces to ensure that the killers are apprehended to face justice.