By M. Peter – Jos
Gunmen on Wednesday night attacked Kulben community, Kombun district in Mangu local government area of Plateau state killing scores of people and injuring some others.
The injured are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Mangu and it was gathered about seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The State Governor, Simon Lalong and the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mathias Tyopev confirmed the incident with the Governor describing it as an attempt to derail the peace process in the State.
In a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Makut Macham, Lalong reiterated his government would not allow any individual or group(s) return the state to the days of insecurity.
“The Governor condemned in strong terms the killing of innocent persons following an attack by gunmen at Kulben village in Kombun district of Mangu LGA on Wednesday 8th January 2020. The Governor in a reaction described the attack as another attempt to puncture the peace that has gradually returned to the State.”
While commiserating with victims and their families, he warned that his administration will not sit down and watch any group or individuals cause chaos in the State and return it to the dark days of insecurity stressing, “We have toiled to ensure that peace returns to Plateau State and we will not allow anyone to make nonsense our efforts.
“We are determined to deal decisively and firmly with anybody found culpable in attacking or inciting people to carry out attacks against one another. He commended security agencies for arresting seven suspects connected to the killings and restoring normalcy to the area.”
The Governor assured that “thorough investigations will be carried out to get to the bottom of the matter, anyone found wanting will face the full wrath of the law” and called for calm and advised against reprisals as “Government is dealing with the situation.”
However, it was gathered that about 15 persons were killed in the incident but the PPRO, DSP Mathias Tyopev said, “What happened in Mangu is true, I am waiting for the reports from our men who are there so that I can confirm the casualty figure and other things.”
