… Mutfwang, Lalong condemn attack
No fewer than 35 persons were reportedly ambushed and killed by suspected Fulani bandits in Fungzai and Kubwat villages of Lombin District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attackers who ambushed a moving vehicle conveying women and children who were fleeing out of a community under heavy attack killed and maimed the occupants.
A community leader, Ephraim Sariyem who lost four family members in the attack informed that 29 persons were killed in Fungzai village and 7 houses burnt while 9 persons were killed in Kubwat, houses burnt and several persons inflicted gunshots injuries.
He said, “In my community, Fungzai we have counted 29 corpses, 7 houses destroyed while a neighbouring village, Kubat , over 9 corpses have been recovered and houses burnt. We are asking for all forms of interventions.”
Plateau Governor-elect, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, received with rude shock the bloody attack on Fungzai and Kubwat villages where women and children were mostly affected.
Barr. Mutfwang in a press statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Gyang Bere, condemned in totality the attack which also left several persons injured and houses with valuables worth millions of naira destroyed.
He appealed to security agencies to raise up to their constitutional responsibility of protecting and securing citizens, particularly rural dwellers.
The Governor-elect, who is heartbroken over the renewed attacks, urged security agencies to collaborate within the ambit of the law and apprehend the perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law.
He admonished communities to strengthen community relations and activate internal security mechanism such as the vigilante groups and hunters associations and work in unison with security agencies to protect and secure citizens.
Mutfwang also appealed to peace loving and patriotic citizens of Plateau and the environs to be committed to peaceful co-existence, and unite for maximum protection and safety of citizens.
He commiserated with the people of Fungzai village, particularly the bereaved families, and prayed for quick recovery of those who were injured as a result of the unfortunate attack.
The Governor-elect appealed for calm among citizens and reassured Plateau residents of his total commitment to a peaceful and united state.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong said he woke up with a distressing news of an overnight attack on Kubat where some persons including women and children were reportedly killed.
In a press statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Lalong said he is seriously disturbed about the sad development and have immediately directed security forces to pursue the attackers and ensure they are arrested.
He describes the attack as yet another attempt by crises merchants and criminals to return the State to the dark days of pain and agony, vowing that the Government will stop at nothing to ensure that those behind this scheme are dealt with mercilessly.
While condemning the act, the Governor commiserates with the victims and assures that the murderers will not be allowed to go unpunished as this is an act that can neither be tolerated or excused no matter the motivation.
Lalong equally directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to visit the area and ascertain the humanitarian need so as to bring succour to the affected while thorough investigation is being carried out.