Datet Mud Audu Gambo, district head of Kombun, a conflict-ravaged townlet in Mangu local council, Plateau State has spoken from hidden after a renewed attack on his community displaced him.
The monarch in a phone conversation with WikkiTimes said several locals have been killed in five communities of the local council. WikkiTimes had earlier reported that many people, including women and children, were feared killed in a midnight attack on Kubwat and Fungzai in the Kombun district of the local council.
The monarch feared the crisis could consume the entire local government. “The crisis was about to engulf the whole local council,” he said.
According to him, over 30 people were killed in the midnight attack on Kubwat. Also in Kombun, several residential houses and other valuables were razed.
“There are over 30 persons killed in Kubwat, and several houses were burnt down. Also in Kombun, homes and property were set ablaze yet to be ascertained,” he told WikkiTimes.
Musa Danladi, a victim who lost his five-room residential house in Daude, said the affected communities also include Farin Kasa, Gaude and Danhausa, all set ablaze by attacks.
WikkiTimes gathered that there are hundreds of displaced victims who escaped being killed in the surging attacks. They are taking refuge in neighbouring communities.
Efforts to reach out to Alfred Alabo, the Plateau State police Spokesperson were unsuccessful as both the phone calls and text messages sent to him were not responded to.
However, Governor Simon Lalong in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Makut Macham orders security forces to contend with the situation.
“Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong woke up Tuesday 16th May 2023 to distressing news of an overnight attack on Kubat Village in Mangu Local Government where some persons including women and children were reportedly killed.
“Governor Lalong who is seriously disturbed about the sad development has immediately directed security forces to pursue the attackers and ensure they are arrested.
The governor described the crises as an attempt by criminals to return the State to the dark days of pain and agony, vowing that the government will ensure that the murderers will not be allowed to go unpunished.
He directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to visit the area and ascertain the humanitarian need to bring succour to the affected as the investigation is being carried out.
This is coming barely a month after a rival clash between farmers and herders claimed scores of lives in Maitumbi community of the area.
Plateau state in the last decade plunged into ethnoreligious crises that led to the death of thousands of people and property worth millions destroyed.
Babaji Usman Babaji is an investigative journalist with over four years of experience, renowned for his impactful reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and holding those in power accountable in Nigeria.
His career is distinguished by participation in numerous media training programs and conferences, which have honed his investigative and reporting skills. Babaji’s data-driven stories have made a significant impact, particularly in Northern Nigeria, shedding light on critical issues and driving meaningful change.
As a reporter under WikkiTimes’ Collaborative Media (CMEDIA) Project, Babaji has led several groundbreaking investigations. He was a 2022 fellow of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and a 2024 Media Foundation for West Africa DPI/DPG fellow. His contributions to accountability journalism earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Xchange Hama Media for impactful community work.
