The Mwaghavul Youth Movement’s National President, Comrade Sunday Dankaka, has revealed the devastating toll of the recent violence that erupted in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a press briefing in Jos, Dankaka provided a somber account of the aftermath of the crisis that unfolded on January 22, 2024.
According to Dankaka, the conflict resulted in the tragic loss of 91 lives, including 42 women, 37 children, and 12 men. Additionally, 158 individuals sustained injuries, and 114 houses were set ablaze. The violence also targeted religious structures, with 9 mosques and 15 churches being affected.
The root of the violence in Mangu LGA traces back to an attack on Ebenezer Caleb, an Okada rider, around 5:45 pm, which violated the curfew imposed by the state government. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to significant loss of life and property, heightening tensions in the area.
Dankaka shared the sequence of events, stating, “He was with Madam Jenifer Fidelis as his passenger, they were heading home to Sabon Gari and had to stop to allow cattle to cross the road just 50 meters to the checkpoint. It was at that point after the cows had passed, and a young boy threatened Ebenezer that he will kill him, that they (Mwagavul) have stopped them from grazing their cattle in their areas, and the boy hit him with a stick, and others attacked him.”
Meanwhile, Amb. Chris Iyama, the Country Director of Equity International Initiative, called on the Federal Government to escalate humanitarian support to communities affected by attacks in Mangu and Bokkos local government councils of Plateau. Equity International emphasized the need for the government and security agencies to reclaim and secure abandoned farmlands and homes, allowing displaced farmers to return safely to their communities and lands. The National Emergency Management Agency was also urged to intensify humanitarian aid to the affected communities.
