Terrorists, on Sunday, killed 12 persons, injured others and razed houses at Farin Kasa and Sabon Gari communities in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, raising the total fatality figure in the area to 231 within two months.
Consequently, the State government has imposed 24-hour curfew on Mangu, while the military relocated its base to the area.
Sources who confirmed the casualty figure said: “This (yesterday) morning around 11.00 a.m., they launched another attack and 12 people were instantly killed, others were injured and houses burnt in Farin Kasa and Sabon Gari communities of Mangu.”
According to him, the residents have lost confidence in security operatives in the State, as many attacks took place without any resistance or arrest.
On Saturday, about 5.30 p.m., the National President of Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Joseph Gwankat, disclosed to journalists, in Jos, that they recorded no fewer than 204 fatalities due to Fulani attacks.
Gwankat lamented that Mangu land had suddenly become subject of attacks by the Fulani, whom they had been living peacefully with for years.
He discountenanced the claim by leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Nura Abdullahi, and Mohammed Musa that operatives of Operation Rainbow attacked them first.
At the briefing, he said: “We have counted over 204 (fatalities), while other victims’ bodies are still in the bush unaccounted for.
“However, on Friday, at least 15 persons were killed by gunmen in the same Mangu land and the number has increased to 219.”With the 12 killed in Mangu yesterday, casualty figure now stands at 231 since May.
There were reports, yesterday, that the natives went on rampage, killing about seven Fulani cattle rustlers in Kombun community.
The latest move, according to the source, irked the Fulani, who have reportedly been mobilising to fight the natives.
He stated: “The communities are in remote areas, where the roads are extremely bad. I could hear gunshots everywhere from my hiding place. I could also see soldiers on motorcycles moving toward the attacks.
“Soldiers and other security agents should do something to avert more casualties because the Fulani are seriously mobilising.”
Spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Captain Oya James, told The Guardian that he was going to confirm the incident and revert. But there was no response from him as at the time of filing the report.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu, following the attacks.
The Governor, in consultation with the State Security Council, imposed a curfew on the local council to restore law and order.
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, stated that movement within the local council had been banned until further notice, except for security personnel and persons on essential duties.
Security agencies have, therefore, been directed to ensure total enforcement of the curfew.
Mutfwang has assured the people of his administration’s efforts to restore peace and security in the state.
In a move to strengthen security, Commander of OPSH, Maj-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, yesterday, temporarily relocated headquarters of the operation to Mangu.News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that OPSH is a special military task force keeping peace in Plateau and environs.
Abubakar, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, moved to the area barely 24 hours after he assumed command.
According to the commander, the move would enable him work with the local authority to mitigate the situation.
“I have relocated the headquarters of OPSH here, so we can work with the local authority. We will stay here until we stabilise the situation.
“The Governor is disturbed with the happenings, and that is why I am personally here to lead my troops. We will not allow the situation to deteriorate further. We are not here to joke; and so we will be decisive, fair and firm,” Abubakar said.