At least 24 people were killed when heavily armed gunmen attacked Bin-Per community in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, in the early hours of Tuesday, August 18.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community around midnight and moved from house to house, attacking people who were asleep. Survivors said the gunmen first exchanged fire with local vigilantes before splitting into groups and entering homes.
The attack left several others injured, while 38 houses, farmlands, and stored food were reportedly destroyed. The Plateau State House of Assembly said more than 25 people were killed in Bin-Per and neighboring communities, although community sources put the confirmed Bin-Per death toll at 24.
Daniel Musa, a resident, said the attackers forced their way into homes and killed residents who were sleeping.
Another survivor, Shedrack Ayuba, said he lost his wife and four children. He said he was keeping watch with other vigilantes when gunshots came from different directions before he was shot in the leg while trying to escape.
Residents also reported that entire families were killed, including eight members of one family. A two-year-old child reportedly survived after suffering gunshot wounds.
The victims were later given a mass burial, while women from the community staged a peaceful protest, demanding stronger protection and an end to recurring attacks.
Government orders tighter security
Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack and directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols in Bin-Per and other vulnerable communities in Mangu.
The governor later visited the community, where he sympathized with victims’ families and assured residents that his administration would strengthen security measures. He also said police had arrested some suspects and promised that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The Plateau State Police Command said security had been strengthened in Bin-Per and surrounding communities.
Commissioner of Police Ayodeji Faniyan, who visited the community, vowed that those responsible would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. He urged residents to provide information to investigators and warned against reprisals or jungle justice.
Calls for stronger action
The killings have renewed calls for urgent action to protect vulnerable communities in Plateau State.
The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) called on the state government to declare a state of emergency on security in affected areas. The group also demanded better intelligence gathering, early-warning systems, rapid response, and improved coordination between security agencies and community vigilantes.
The Plateau State House of Assembly also called for stronger intelligence and surveillance while urging the government and humanitarian organizations to provide food, medical care, and shelter to affected residents.
The Bin-Per attack has heightened fears of renewed violence in Mangu, an area that has experienced repeated attacks and communal tensions. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory violence while security agencies pursue the perpetrators.
Leave feedback about this