Midnight massacre in Plateau: Gunmen kill 24, wipe out families in Mangu
Survivors of a deadly overnight attack on Bin-Per community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State have recounted how gunmen reportedly moved from house to house, killing residents as they slept.
More than 24 people were killed in the attack, which began late Monday night, according to community sources. Several others sustained injuries, while dozens of homes, farms and food stores were destroyed.
Survivors of a deadly overnight attack on Bin-Per community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State have recounted how gunmen reportedly moved from house to house, killing residents as they slept.
More than 24 people were killed in the attack, which began late Monday night, according to community sources. Several others sustained injuries, while dozens of homes, farms and food stores were destroyed.
Residents said the assailants first engaged local vigilantes before advancing into the community in separate groups.
“They were moving from house to house, forcing doors open and attacking people in their sleep,” said Daniel Musa, a survivor.
The scale of the tragedy became apparent as families began accounting for missing relatives. Residents said eight members of one family were killed, with only a two-year-old child surviving despite suffering gunshot wounds. Another survivor, Shedrack Ayuba, said he lost his wife and four children.
“I escaped through a maize farm after being shot in the leg. They went into my house and opened fire on my family while they were sleeping,” he said.
Community members alleged that the attackers strategically positioned themselves around the village to block escape routes, leaving many residents trapped.
The victims have since been buried in a mass burial.
In the aftermath of the attack, women staged a peaceful protest, demanding urgent government intervention and improved security. They lamented the loss of loved ones and accused authorities of failing to protect vulnerable communities.
“Citizens should not have to become their own soldiers before they can sleep safely in their homes,” one protester said.
The Plateau State House of Assembly also raised concerns over the attack. The member representing Mangu South Constituency, Matthew Kwarpo, told lawmakers that more than 25 people were killed, while 38 houses and several hectares of farmland were destroyed.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings and directed security agencies to strengthen patrols and surveillance in affected communities. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police Ayodeji Faniyan, who visited the community, assured residents that those responsible would be tracked down and prosecuted.
The latest bloodshed has renewed concerns over persistent insecurity in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State, with residents and community groups calling for stronger intelligence gathering, faster security responses and greater protection for rural communities.
