In a devastating incident, fresh gunmen attacks in Kwahaslalek, a village located in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 30 lives, with predominantly women and children among the victims. The attack occurred after the assailants circled their targets and mercilessly opened fire on the community.
According to report obtained by Quicktell News revealed that victims sought refuge in the house of a community leader after experiencing earlier unrest in the day. Mark Haruna, a community leader who confirmed the devastating death toll to journalists in Jos, the state capital, stated, “For the second time, my village Kwahaslalek (behind NYSC camp) came under attack by gunmen yesterday (Tuesday) night. They came at about 12:30 am and killed over 25 people, mostly women and children.”
Haruna further explained that the earlier unrest in Sabon Gari and Mangu town on the same day served as a distraction, diverting attention away from the vulnerable villages. Joseph Gwankat, the Chairman of Mwaghavul Development Association, described the latest attack as callous, emphasizing the indiscriminate targeting of innocent villagers.
“I couldn’t sleep last night as a result of what happened in Mangu town during the day yesterday. Now, I have just been told Kwahaslalek village was attacked last night, and about 30 people were killed,” said Gwankat. He highlighted that the unrest in Mangu town had created fear in surrounding communities, prompting some villagers to evacuate their loved ones and assemble them in what they believed to be a safe place. Tragically, the attackers struck in the night, targeting the assembled group, resulting in numerous casualties.
Gwankat expressed frustration over the lack of security presence during the attacks, questioning how villagers could be consistently targeted without adequate intervention. He condemned the perpetrators, labeling their actions as “pure wickedness.”
The spokesman for the state police command, Alabo Alfred, responded to inquiries, stating that he had not received any report on the incident. He assured that an investigation would be conducted once he received more information. The community remains in shock as authorities work to understand the circumstances surrounding this brutal attack.
