In a distressing incident, a group of armed individuals, believed to be bandits, launched an assault on the peaceful Kulben community situated in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in the tragic loss of 10 lives.
The harrowing attack was confirmed by Moses Fwan, a resident of Kulben village, during a statement to the press in Jos on a somber Monday.
According to Fwan, these unidentified assailants descended upon the community under the cover of darkness, striking at around 10 pm on a fateful Sunday night. Their ruthless rampage not only claimed lives but also left a trail of destruction, with numerous homes belonging to the villagers reduced to ruins before the assailants retreated from 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.”
