By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
A fresh, bloody and mindless attack has claimed no fewer than 40 persons and several houses burnt by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Plateau State, Nigeria.
The suspected Fulani bandits careyes out the attack on Fungzai and Kubat villages in Mangu Local Government Area of the state.
“The attack started about 12 midnight when we were sleeping after so much tiredness from farms, because you know this is a rainy season.
“I counted 30 corpses in Fungzai my village while the neighbouring village, Kubat I also counted 10 corpses while several others were injured and many houses burnt,” a source lamented.
Bodies of the attacked villagers
Meanwhile, the Plateau State governor, Simon Bako Lalong in a press statement, said he woke up Tuesday morning to the distressing news of an overnight attack on Kubat village in Mangu Local Government where some persons including women and children were reportedly killed.
Lalong said he was seriously disturbed about the sad development and had immediately directed security agents to pursue the attackers and ensure they were arrested.
He described the attack as yet another attempt by crises merchants and criminals to return the state to the dark days of pain and agony.
He vowed that the government will stop at nothing to ensure that those behind this scheme are dealt with mercilessly.
While condemning the act, the governor commiserated with the victims and assured that the murderers will not be allowed to go unpunished as this is an act that can neither be tolerated or excused no matter the motivation.
The governor has equally directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to visit the area and ascertain the humanitarian need so as to bring succour to the affected while thorough investigation is being carried out.
On his part, the Plateau Governor-elect, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, said he has received with rude shock the bloody attack on Fungzai and Kubwat villages in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area.
Mutfwang, who hails from Mangu, confirmed the attack in a Press Statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Gyang Bere, saying among those killed in the Tuesday attack were several persons including women and children.
Mutfwang, in a message of comfort, condemned in totality the attack which also left several persons injured and houses with valuables worth millions of naira destroyed.
He appealed to security agencies to rise up to their constitutional responsibility of protecting and securing citizens, particularly rural dwellers.
The governor-elect, who is heartbroken over the renewed attacks, urged security agencies to collaborate within the ambit of the law and apprehend the perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law.
He admonished communities to strengthen community relations and activate internal security mechanism such as the vigilante groups and hunters associations, to protect and secure citizens.
Mutfwang also appealed to peace loving and patriotic citizens of Plateau and the environs to be committed to peaceful co-existence, and unite for maximum protection and safety of citizens.
He commiserated with the people of Fungzai village, particularly the bereaved families, and prayed for quick recovery of those who were injured as a result of the unfortunate attack.
He, however, appealed for calm among citizens and reassured Plateau residents of his total commitment to a peaceful and united state.
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