Gunmen launched a fresh attack on a vegetable market in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing five persons and injuring many others. The attack occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on Friday when traders were closing for the day. The gunmen opened fire at random, forcing people to run in different directions. The incident caused a pandemonium in Mangu town, with people unable to come out of their hiding places even after the gunmen had left.
A source who escaped the attack said the gunmen shot at vehicles leaving the market and that the attack lasted for about 20 minutes. In the confusion, some traders were injured, and others were hit by bullets. The source confirmed that five persons were killed and many were injured. The President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Deacon Bulus Dabit, confirmed the incident and said the identities of the victims were not immediately known.
Deacon Dabit said several passers-by were injured and were being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. He stated that the gunmen shot at a vehicle leaving the vegetable market in Mangu around 8:30 p.m. on Friday. The MDA had raised concerns over continued threats to communities in Mangu, claiming that more than 750 Mwaghavul people had been killed since 2023.
The Plateau State Police Command has made significant strides in its fight against crime, recovering 10 rifles and 54 live ammunition and arresting 25 suspects in its August operations. The Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, said those arrested were linked to various offences, including arms possession, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Faniyan stated that the achievements were part of the command's intelligence-led policing strategy.
The police command's efforts aim to prevent crimes and respond rapidly to security threats. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of collaboration with communities and other security agencies. The recent attack in Mangu Local Government Area highlights the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of communities in Plateau State. The Mwaghavul Development Association and other stakeholders are calling for increased security measures to protect lives and property. An investigation into the attack is ongoing.
The Plateau State government has not commented on the incident. However, the police command's efforts to address crime and insecurity are ongoing. The community is urging the government to take decisive action to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of citizens.
Key points
- Five persons were killed, and many others were injured in the attack on a vegetable market in Plateau State.
- The Plateau State Police Command has recovered 10 rifles and 54 live ammunition and arrested 25 suspects in its August operations.
- The Mwaghavul Development Association has raised concerns over continued threats to communities in Mangu, claiming that more than 750 Mwaghavul people had been killed since 2023.
