Manji Le’an has said their neighbours rejoiced while burning their house in Mangu town in the latest killings that occurred in Plateau State.

Sometime in December 2023, armed men attacked Manji Le’an’s Dungwel community. He moved to stay with his uncle in Mangu town.

Though his house at Dungwel was not burnt he said he was wearied by the threats the attackers posed to the community. Hence, the need to relocate to a safer place.

However, the recent skirmish in the Mangu Local Government Area has put more burden on him as he said his blood pressure has gone up having managed to escape unhurt with his uncle, as their neighbours set the uncle’s house ablaze.

His words: “I left Dungwel on December 13 last year to stay with my uncle in his house near the EKAN Primary school in Mangu town. I thought I would have peace there. But as we speak, we have moved to Angwan Mission to stay with some relatives because my uncle’s house was burnt by his Muslim neighbours on Wednesday.

“We managed to escape unhurt but we heard and saw them rejoicing that we have been burnt in the house.

The origin

“Three days ago, some Fulani herders attacked some Mwaghavul youths around the Sabon Gari area. The youths in that area protested against the action. They were moving towards the ruga, (a Fulani settlement) to iron out the matter.

“However, before we knew it, the Muslims settlers at Sabon Kaswa (new market) started attacking their Mwaghavul neighbours. They were asking why the people would go to the ruga.

“The natives asked if they were supporting the actions of the Fulani herders that always attack the people. They said yes.

“The situation degenerated, leading to the burning of houses and the COCIN Church at Sabon Kaswa. The thing was snowballing from one place to the other and it got to our area around EKAN Primary School, where our Muslim neighbours also joined in burning houses.

“When the thing started in our area, we locked ourselves in the house because we didn’t think they would want to harm us.

“But surprisingly, we heard our neighbours asking if we were in. And when they confirmed it, they started throwing things on the zinc, breaking the windows as the rampaging youths approached.

“When we saw that the house was on fire, we sneaked out through the back door without a pin as the attackers were gathered at the front.

“As we were walking away, we could hear them saying ‘Mun kona baban dake cikin dakin’. Meaning ‘we have burnt baba inside the house’, referring to my uncle.

“We are still shocked that this could happen and my BP has gone up. We are waiting for the curfew to be lifted so that I can take my uncle to join his son in Jos.”

Curfew, 9 arrested, 10 corpses

The violence has been controlled and the curfew enforced at the time of this report. The poor network in the area is limiting communication. However, some natives say there is a rising threat in some communities in the Panyam district of Mangu.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 4, Ebong Eyibio through the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, said nine suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident.

He noted: “I have ordered the deployment of additional Special Intervention personnel to Mangu LGA to be commanded by the Area Commander, Pankshin. This is to restore normalcy in that area.

“The Command is grateful to inform you that the situation as of today, is under control. And so far, nine suspects have been arrested.

“Exhibits recovered from them include dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing petrol, and other items. The area remains highly secured by security forces and strict compliance to the curfew is being complied with.

“We called on the leadership of both faiths to call their followers to order and ensure total compliance with the government-imposed curfew. Both parties have promised to comply in the interest of peace in their communities.

“So far, over 10 corpses have been recovered from various locations, two injured persons currently receiving treatment at the hospital, one car and 10 houses were burnt down.”

Also, Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has strongly denounced the recent security breach that claimed numerous lives in Kwahaslalek community and various parts of Mangu Local Government Area.

A statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere stated that the governor would not tolerate any further breakdown of law and order in any part of the State.

He urged security agencies to intensify their efforts to “guarantee absolute peace across the state”.

Bere said: “The Governor extends heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, the affected communities, and those injured in the unfortunate incidents.

“Governor Mutfwang further conveyed sympathy to the residents of Mangu Local Government Area and other affected communities. He urged them to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities for swift intervention.

“However, he implored the communities involved to refrain from taking the law into their hands. He restated the state government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the security of all citizens.

“He acknowledged the crucial role played by security agencies in restoring calm and called for continued collaboration between them and the government to provide maximum protection to all citizens.”

Meanwhile, a Tarok (one of the tribes in Plateau) sociocultural group, Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok, NIO has called for calm following the burning of five members of the Tarok family in Mangu, asking that no one takes the law to their hands. (Vanguard)