Mutfwang Condemns Attack as Gunmen Kill Four, Burn Monarch’s Residence in Plateau

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Gunmen have killed at least four persons in Dungwel Village of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State in a night attack that left several others injured, and the residence of the village head torched.

A resident of the village, Mr. Shedrack Gambo, who narrated the incident said that the community is in shock and grieving seriously over the attack, adding that four persons died.

Also confirming the attack, spokesman of the military task force in the state, Captain James Oya said the village head was probably the target.

Oya said, “I have called the Commander of the FOB and he confirmed the figure and explained that initial investigation reveals that the target of the assailants was the village head.

“According to what the troops were told, the assailants on arrival were asking for the house of the village head. When the people saw what was happening, they started running away.”

Oya said that the bandits set the house of the village head on fire with his family members inside before troops arrived the scene to rescue some of them.

He said: “The village head narrowly escaped, and if not for the intervention of the soldiers, his wives, and children that were locked inside the house would have died because the house was still on fire and everywhere filled with smoke when the troops arrived.”

He said that the troops had to break into the house and rescue the people. Meanwhile, the state governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has expressed deep sorrow over “the atrocities by the suspected herdsmen.”

In a condolence message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Mr. Gyang Bere, the Governor sympathized with the affected families, denouncing the barbaric and unacceptable nature of the orchestrated attack.

He said that available information revealed that “the assailants set Edward Latu’s house ablaze, trapping women and children inside two rooms where seven individuals were rescued after forcing the doors open.”

Directing the security agents to go after the attackers, the Governor said they must be made to face the wrath of the law.