Women from the Bin-Per community in Ruff, Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, have taken to the streets to protest the killing of 24 residents in a fresh attack by gunmen.
The women staged the peaceful demonstration on Tuesday, carrying leaves as a symbol of mourning while calling on the government to urgently strengthen security in the community.
The protest came hours after armed attackers reportedly stormed the community overnight, breaking into homes and killing residents.
The victims were later buried in a mass funeral conducted on Tuesday afternoon, while several others who sustained injuries were taken to hospitals for treatment.
One of the protesters, Mrs Ladi Joshua, said the community had been thrown into deep sorrow following the deaths of husbands, children, relatives and other loved ones.
She called on the authorities to end the cycle of violence and take concrete measures to prevent further attacks on residents.
The President of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement, Kyesmang Jonathan, confirmed that 24 victims had been buried following the attack.
Speaking during the burial ceremony, Jonathan said some survivors remained hospitalised as the community continued to deal with the aftermath of the violence.
He condemned the attack and described the loss of lives as devastating, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities across Mangu.
The youth leader also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings, while extending his condolences to the bereaved families and sympathising with injured and displaced residents.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Jude Eli Dakur, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
Dakur expressed grief over the deaths and the reported destruction of homes, farmlands and other property belonging to residents.
He said the killing of people inside their homes represented a serious threat to the security and dignity of communities in Plateau State.
According to him, repeated attacks must not be allowed to become normal in the state.
Dakur urged security agencies to immediately launch efforts to identify and arrest the perpetrators, insisting that those responsible must face justice.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security authorities while avoiding actions that could worsen tensions in the affected communities.
The ADC official called for calm and unity among residents of Mangu and expressed solidarity with the affected families.
“Every life lost is precious, and no community should live under the constant fear of attack. The people of Mangu deserve to live, farm and carry out their legitimate activities in peace and a secured environment,” Dakur said.
He prayed for the repose of those killed and wished the injured victims a quick recovery.
