Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked Kulben community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State and killed 10 persons.
A resident of Kulben village, Moses Fwan, confirmed the attack to PUNCH Metro in Jos on Monday.
Fwan said the bandits, who stormed the community on Sunday at about 10pm, also left several houses belonging to the villagers destroyed before they fled the community.
Fwan said, “Armed Fulani militia group attacked our community in Kulben village within Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The gunmen came to the village at about 10pm on Sunday 10/09/2023 and killed 10 of our people. They also injured many others and destroyed our property, including houses.
“Presently, our people are mourning the gruesome killing of their kinsmen and arrangement is ongoing to conduct mass burial for the victims”
The Chairman of Mwaghavul Development Association in Kombun District, who simply gave his name as Dr Elisha, also confirmed the attack.
He said, “From the information I got, 10 persons were killed during the invasion. I’m on my way to the village. We will communicate later, please.”
When contacted, the Media Officer for the Military Special Task Force in charge of maintaining peace in the state, Captain Oya James, who denied knowledge of the attack, however, promised to investigate the incident and take necessary action to forestall further occurrence.
However, the spokesman for the state Police Command, Alfred Alabo, said that security operatives had been deployed to the affected community.
Alabo who condemned the attack described it as an act of cowardice by the perpetrators.
He said, “The police are working with other security agents to keep law and order in the society. Although we can’t be everywhere, those who are attacking vulnerable communities and killing innocent people are simply cowards.
“That’s why we will continue to appeal to the public to provide us with relevant information so that we will be able to act quickly and address any challenge whatsoever.”