The Plateau State chapter of the Jama’atu Nasrul Islam (JNI), the Muslim religious body, has condemned the resurgence of violence in Mangu local government of the state.
This is contained in a press statement by the Secretary of JNI in the state Dr. Salim Musa Umar on Wednesday, stating that the resurfaced clash has degenerated into a seemingly ethnoreligious crisis where places of worship were torched.
WikkiTimes reports that scores of people were feared killed with residential houses and worship Centers burnt in several communities in Mangu local government area of Plateau State following a fresh wave of violence that erupted on Tuesday.
The state governor, subsequently Caleb Mutfwang declared a 24-hour curfew on the council with immediate effect, following the deteriorating security situation.
However, JNI expressed concern that implementing the curfew was not so successful because the security personnel were overstretched while some were allegedly compromised.
Scores Feared Killed, Houses Burnt in Renewed Mangu Conflict
It says “Reports from Mangu town this morning is not encouraging as places of worship and faith-based schools were torched and demolished while the killing continues again.”
JNI also condemned the role of the Plateau State local security outfit ‘Operation Rainbow’, accusing them of glaring partisanship.
“We call on the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in securing the lives and properties of the inhabitants of Mangu and other flash points. All concerned should also do everything possible to prevent any possible escalation.
The statement called on the security agents to be on the lookout for possible infiltrators as it was widely alleged that some hired killers were on the prowl with the intent to carry out massive attacks on Muslims in the community. “This is an act that shouldn’t be allowed to happen,” it read.
WikkiTimes gathered that the escalation of the violence on Tuesday and Wednesday morning resulted to the death of several people comprising Muslims and Christians with hundreds of houses, shops and worship centres including mosques and churches set ablaze.
