Protest as Varsity Student, 14 Others are Killed in Plateau Attacks

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

At least 15 persons have been killed following attacks by gunmen on Tilengpat Pushit community in Mangu Local Government Area and Chikam community in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State on Thursday night.

A community leader from Tilengpat, Mr. Joshua said that 12 persons were brutally killed including women and children during the attack, with houses and several properties destroyed.
He said, “So far, we have recovered 12 dead bodies of individuals who were brutally murdered during the attack in the Pushit community, and their bodies recovered.

“The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, pending notification of their families. The law enforcement agencies are also here and have initiated investigations into the matter to ascertain the motive behind these heinous crimes and to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this reprehensible act.”
But Transition Committee Chairman of Mangu LGA, Mr. Marcus Artu, who also confirmed the incident, however, said he could not confirm the casualty figure.
He said, “Yes, it is true that our people have just been attacked again and killed for no reason. It happened last night. As I talk to you, I’m in the affected community in Pushit, but I can not give you the figure of victims for now because we are still assessing the situation. Local hunters and members of the vigilante group are still combing the bushes to recover the remains of victims.

“It is obvious that these criminal elements do not want the communities to be in peace. But I am in the village to talk to the people and convene emergency meetings with security agencies as well as stakeholders to avoid any reprisal or breakdown of law and order.”

Meanwhile, women and youths in Bokkos Local Government Area have taken to the streets in protests over the renewed violent attack by gunmen in their communities.

The protest was triggered by a fresh attack that claimed three including a student of Plateau State University, Bokkos.

A student of the university, who gave his name as George Lazarus said that a 200-level student of Computer Science was among those killed.

Confirming the death of the student in a statement, the Registrar of the university, Mr. Yakubu Ayube said, “The Plateau State university community woke up to the sad news of another heartless attack on Chikam, a community close to the university. The sad event led to the loss of a 200-level Computer Science student of the university residing in Chikam, Mr. Dading James Jordan.

“This is coming despite the relentless effort by the Plateau State government, security agencies, the management of the university, and other stakeholders to improve the security situation on our campus and the surrounding communities. Unfortunately, the enemies of the university and the state brought this dastardly attack leading to the loss of our dear student.

“The Vice-Chancellor and the entire management convey their condolences to the family of the deceased, the student body, and the university community.

“Given this sad development, management has declared a two-day mourning period on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 April 2024. Accordingly, all the examinations earlier scheduled for Friday.

“While calling on our students to remain calm and law-abiding, we wish to call on the security agencies to beef up security around the university to secure staff and students as we look into other ways of making the university more secure.”

Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has appealed for calm over the attacks, condemning them as barbaric.

He reassured the citizens, particularly students, of the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding their lives and property.

The governor urged them to remain composed in the face of the tragedy, as the government is determined to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the heinous acts.

In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Mr. Gyang Bere, the governor stressed the importance of collaboration among the university management, students, community leaders, and security agencies for enhanced security and the safety of everyone in the area.

He commended the swift response of security agencies to violent incidents and encouraged them to remain steadfast in fulfilling their constitutional duty to protect innocent citizens.

He also stressed the need for community vigilance and cooperation to combat criminal activities and bring perpetrators and their accomplices to justice.

The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased student and all those affected by the incident, praying for the quick recovery of the injured.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering peace and security across the state.

Also condemning the violent attack on Tilengpat, the Senator representing Plateau Central in the National Assembly, Diket Plang, who visited the community, called for an immediate investigation into the incident and urged the community to remain calm and vigilant as security agencies work to apprehend the perpetrators.

He also emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to restore peace and stability in the area.

Plang met with local leaders, community members, and security officials to assess the situation and offer support to the affected families.

He expressed concerns over the escalating violence in the region and pledged to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of the people of Plateau Central.