Tragedy Strikes Plateau Communities with 12 Lives Lost in Recent Attacks
Mutfwang Governor Mutfwang
…Calls for Designation of MACBAN as a Terrorist Group—MDA …Mutfwang Enforces 24-Hour Curfew in Mangu
By Marie-Therese Nanlong, JOS
Farinkasa Kerana and Sabon Gari communities in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State were plunged into grief last night as they became the target of fresh attacks by gunmen, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 lives.
In response to the recent wave of attacks that claimed lives and property, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Mangu council.
Meanwhile, members of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), representing Governor Mutfwang’s kinsmen, have reiterated their plea to the Federal Government to designate the Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) as a terrorist organization.
A resident, Mathew Habila, confirmed the killings in Jos, stating that the victims were mercilessly attacked in their own homes on Saturday night. He expressed sorrow over the fact that the gunmen also set numerous houses ablaze, resulting in the abandonment of both communities.
Habila reported, “Once again, our people have fallen victim to another attack last night. This time, 12 individuals lost their lives, several others sustained injuries, and many homes were razed to the ground by the Fulani militia in Farinkasa Kerana and Sabon Gari communities within Mangu council.”
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Alabo Alfred, proved unsuccessful, as his phone lines were switched off when contacted by our correspondent.
Call to Designate MACBAN as a Terrorist Group—MDA
In the meantime, the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), representing Governor Mutfwang’s kinsmen, has renewed its appeal to the Federal Government to classify the Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) as a terrorist organization.
Addressing the press in Jos, Joseph Gwankat, the National President of MDA, stated, “It is widely known that MACBAN has been employing foreign mercenaries to carry out attacks on communities, including ours. Our villages have been deserted as a result of these attacks and have become grazing fields for Fulani herders. To date, a total of 204 of our people have been killed in 53 attacks perpetrated by them.”
He added, “We strongly urge the Federal Government to designate MACBAN as a terrorist organization due to the atrocious crimes committed by its members in various parts of Nigeria. Furthermore, we implore the government to take full responsibility for the education of children under the age of 10 who have lost both parents as a result of these attacks, while making arrangements for the SS3 students whose WAEC exams were disrupted.”
Mutfwang Implements 24-Hour Curfew in Mangu
Governor Mutfwang, in consultation with the State Security Council, has enforced a curfew throughout the entire council area in order to restore law and order.
A statement issued by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs, read, “Consequently, all movements within the council have been prohibited until further notice, with the exception of security personnel and individuals engaged in essential duties.”
The statement further emphasized, “Security agencies have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the curfew. Meanwhile, the governor assures the people that the government is working tirelessly to restore peace and security in the state.”
