In a distressing turn of events, the tranquil atmosphere of the Mangu Local Government Area was shattered as gunmen unleashed a deadly assault, claiming the lives of five individuals. The heart-wrenching incident unfolded within the serene confines of the Nchya community during the early hours of Monday, casting a somber pall over the region. Among the victims of this horrifying attack were Mr. and Mrs. Patrick, a couple whose lives were tragically cut short, and two innocent children belonging to a respected clergyman known as Reverend Sati. The relentless onslaught shattered days of uneasy calm that had prevailed following a period marked by violent outbursts by assailants in the council area.Philip Bitrus, a resident of the stricken Nchya community, shared a grim account of the events that transpired, confirming the grievous loss of life. “The night of August 7th, 2023, will forever be etched in our memories as the time when five precious lives were extinguished mercilessly by suspected Fulani militia,” Bitrus recounted to The PUNCH during an interview in Jos on Monday. The proximity of Nchya Village, merely three kilometers from the heart of Mangu town, served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by communities residing in close proximity to urban centers. Following the ruthless attack, the villagers united in a solemn display of solidarity, transporting the lifeless bodies of the victims to Mangu town via a pickup vehicle. The procession ignited an outpouring of emotions, culminating in impassioned protests throughout the town.Captain Oya James, spokesperson for the Military Special Taskforce entrusted with upholding peace within the state, acknowledged the grave incident and assured the public of a swift response. “While some lives were tragically lost, we want to emphasize that security measures have been significantly bolstered in the area. Our dedicated personnel are actively addressing the challenges at hand to restore a sense of security,” Captain James affirmed.As the community grapples with grief and anger in the wake of this harrowing attack, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security concerns that persist within the Plateau state. The quest for lasting tranquility continues to be a paramount endeavor, as authorities strive to restore a semblance of safety and peace to the beleaguered region.

PUNCH NG.