Plateau death toll now 85, says community leader

The death toll in Tuesday’s attack in Fungzai and Kubwat villages in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State has risen to 85.

National President of Mwaghavul Development Association, Joseph Gwankat, made this known while speaking to journalists on Wednesday after a security meeting at the palace of the traditional ruler in Mangu.

However, the police have yet to give the casualty figure of the incident.

Gwankat said that the search for missing persons was still ongoing in the affected communities. 

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He noted that several communities were attacked simultaneously by suspected herdsmen, leading to killings as well as the burning of houses and the destruction of farmlands in the affected communities. 

Our correspondent reports that protesting women also besieged the palace of the traditional ruler where the security meeting was convened with security chiefs, district heads, and government officials led by the deputy governor, Professor Sonni Tyoden, to address the security challenge in the LGA. 

The Mishkcham Mwaghavul, John Putmang Hirse, alongside the local government chairman and district heads from the communities, appealed for security reinforcement to the communities to safeguard citizens.

Meanwhile, 57 victims were given a mass burial yesterday amid tears by relatives and members of the community who gathered to witness the funeral service.