By peterside Rejoice Eneky
Tragedy struck the Gyenbwas community in Langai District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, as unknown armed men launched a violent attack that resulted in the burning of at least 96 houses and the looting of valuable property.
Residents reported that the attackers stormed the community in the early hours, setting homes ablaze and carting away food items, mattresses, cattle, and working equipment. The destruction has left many families displaced and in dire need of assistance.
In the aftermath of the assault, the Madugun Langai and traditional ruler of the area, Alhaji Yakubu Umar, confirmed the recovery of three bodies. “Two people were killed on Monday during the attack, and another body was found on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to three,” he said.
According to local accounts, the attackers carried out the raid with boldness and impunity, showing no signs of fear or resistance.
The residents, still reeling from the devastation, accused members of the Berom ethnic group of orchestrating the attack an allegation that representatives of the group have firmly denied.
“We have never experienced such atrocities,” Alhaji Umar lamented. “The perpetrators destroyed everything foodstuffs, clothes, household items, even work equipment. Goods worth millions of naira were looted. What hurts the most is that we have always lived peacefully with everyone. This attack came as a complete shock.”
The traditional leader appealed for urgent intervention from both the Mangu Local Government Authority and the Plateau State Government, urging them to investigate the incident thoroughly and provide relief materials to affected victims.
So far, the state government has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
However, calls are growing for swift security and humanitarian responses to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further escalation.
The Gyenbwas attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Plateau State, where ethnic and communal tensions have led to frequent clashes, displacement, and loss of lives. Residents fear the recurrence of such violence if urgent steps are not taken to restore peace and security.
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