The Plateau State House of Assembly has raised concerns over renewed attacks in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, with lawmakers saying more than 26 people were killed and at least 38 houses destroyed.
The attacks reportedly occurred in Bin-Per community in Bwai District and Jwak and Murish communities in Mangu Halle District between Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday.
The matter was brought before the House during plenary as a Matter of Urgent Public Importance by the member representing Mangu South Constituency, Dr Matthew Sylvester Kwarpo.
According to Kwarpo, Bin-Per suffered the heaviest casualties, with 25 people reportedly killed and several others wounded. He said another person was killed during attacks on Jwak and Murish, while other residents sustained injuries.
Beyond the loss of lives, the lawmaker said the attackers set fire to 38 houses and destroyed farmlands, barns containing harvested grains and other property.
Food security fears
Kwarpo warned that the destruction of farms and food stores could deepen the economic hardship facing residents, many of whom depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
He said the loss of homes and food supplies had left numerous families exposed and in need of immediate assistance.
The lawmaker called on the Assembly to bring together security agencies, community leaders, government representatives and other stakeholders to assess the situation and develop a coordinated response.
He also urged security agencies to move away from a largely reactive approach and strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid deployment in communities considered vulnerable to attacks.
Call for dialogue and relief
Kwarpo said addressing the recurring violence would require more than increased security operations, urging authorities and community stakeholders to confront the underlying issues fuelling tensions and pursue dialogue where necessary.
He appealed to the Plateau State Government, the State Emergency Management Agency and humanitarian organisations, as well as individuals and other groups willing to assist, to provide urgent support to victims.
Among the needs identified were food, medical care, temporary accommodation and other relief materials for families whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed.
The Assembly’s intervention comes amid renewed anxiety in Mangu, where residents and community groups have continued to call for stronger protection of lives and property.
Lawmakers stressed that preventing further bloodshed should remain the priority, alongside efforts to help affected communities recover and rebuild.
They also called for sustained cooperation between residents, traditional leaders, government authorities and security agencies as part of efforts to restore peace and prevent further attacks in Mangu.
