By Samuel Ike, Abuja

It was a night of terror in Bin-Per community, Kombun District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, as heavily armed gunmen reportedly invaded the community late Monday, August 17, killing residents and destroying homes and farmlands. The attackers reportedly opened fire on local vigilantes at about 11:30pm before splitting into groups and moving from house to house. Community sources said more than 24 people were killed, while several others were injured. Several houses were also burnt and farmlands destroyed, with the victims later given a mass burial.

Survivors said the attackers targeted residents in their homes, including people who were asleep. Daniel Musa, an eyewitness, said the gunmen forced their way into houses and killed residents. Fangwsak James said eight members of one family were killed, leaving only a two-year-old child who survived with gunshot wounds to the leg and hip. Shedrack Ayuba said he lost his wife and four children after gunmen entered his home and opened fire while they slept. Ayuba, who was shot in the leg while trying to escape, said he only discovered the deaths the following day.

Residents said the attackers appeared to have positioned themselves strategically around the community to prevent escape. Ronbak Maxwell said the gunmen first overwhelmed vigilantes, killing about two of them, before advancing into the community in groups. He said residents called for help but the response was delayed, while many of the casualties were women and children. The attack also destroyed crops, stored food and other property, deepening the economic hardship faced by residents.

As the community buried its dead, women staged a peaceful protest, carrying leaves and demanding urgent government action. They condemned the recurring attacks and said the violence had destroyed families, livelihoods and the future of the community. The protesters called for better intelligence gathering, stronger security deployments and faster response to distress calls, stressing that residents should not be forced to become their own security personnel. They also appealed to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Federal Government to strengthen security in vulnerable communities.

The Plateau State House of Assembly also raised concerns over the attack. The member representing Mangu South Constituency, Dr Matthew Sylvester Kwarpo, said more than 25 people were killed in Bin-Per and another person died in attacks on Jwak and Murish communities. He said 38 houses, several hectares of farmland, barns containing stored grains and other valuables were destroyed. Governor Mutfwang subsequently directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols in Bin-Per, Kombun District and other vulnerable areas, while urging residents to avoid reprisals and provide useful information to security agencies.

The Plateau State Police Command said it had strengthened security in Bin-Per and surrounding communities. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, who visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment, vowed that the perpetrators would be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity in Mangu, coming days after another attack on Juwak Mai Tunbi community. The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives, PIDAN, Central Zone, has called for a state of emergency on security in affected areas, improved intelligence and rapid response, better coordination and training of vigilantes, and urgent passage of the State Police Bill. The group said condolences and condemnations were no longer enough, insisting that decisive action was needed to protect Plateau communities.