A wave of violence swept through Plateau State over the weekend, leaving at least 14 people dead in a night attack on the Lisham Kwahasnat community, situated between Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas. The assailants targeted villagers, prompting a retaliatory response from the enraged residents, resulting in the burning of houses and widespread property destruction on Sunday.
While the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Alabo Alfred, was yet to provide information when contacted on Sunday, Captain Oya James, the Spokesman for the Military Taskforce responsible for maintaining peace in the state, confirmed the killings. Captain James condemned the renewed violence and assured that additional troops had been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further escalation.
The assailants, after the initial attack, triggered a cycle of violence as villagers, assuming herders were responsible, retaliated against them. The military taskforce worked to intervene and bring the situation under control, responding swiftly to incidents in various villages throughout the day.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang urged citizens to prioritize peace and harmony in the face of challenges. In a statement issued on Sunday, he encouraged everyone, both in Plateau State and across Nigeria, to embrace the true spirit of Christmas by sharing love and exchanging gifts, especially with the less privileged.
As security forces work to restore calm and order, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of conflict in the region.
