Dozens of residents were k!lled by gunmen suspected to be terrorists who invaded at least four communities in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

Reports say the suspected bandits stormed the communities on Sunday night, unleashing terror and violence.

Although the exact number of casualties has yet to be determined, several residents were believed to have died in the attack.

The Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has directed security forces to identify those responsible for the attacks.

In a statement on Monday, Makut Macham, Lalong’s press and public affairs director, quoted the governor as saying the attackers must be “brought to justice without delay”.

He said the swift intervention of security agencies has doused the tension in the communities.

“The attacks are another attempt to reintroduce the era of violence and crises which have been largely contained due to the government’s huge investment in security, peacebuilding and reconciliation,” the governor said.

“While commiserating with those who lost their lives and properties, the Governor directed the Peace Building Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency to immediately reach out to the victims with support.”

On its part, TheCable Index in a review of the killings and kidnappings in 2022 that Plateau, along with Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Benue, accounted for 40% of the 4,545 people killed during the year.

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