Nigeria: Tragic Events Unfold as Violence Erupts in Mangu: Survivor Recounts Horrific Ordeal
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
In a chilling account of recent events in Mangu town, Plateau State, Manji Le’an, a survivor, reveals the harrowing experience of his community falling victim to violence and arson. Le’an recounts the distressing moment when their own neighbors rejoiced as they set fire to his uncle’s house during the latest wave of killings in Plateau State.
The tragic sequence of events traces back to December 2023 when armed men attacked Le’an’s Dungwel community. Fearing for his safety and that of his community, Le’an sought refuge with his uncle in Mangu town. Despite escaping the direct impact of the attack on his house in Dungwel, the threats posed by the assailants prompted the move to a seemingly safer location.
However, the relative safety Le’an sought in Mangu town was shattered when violence erupted in the Mangu Local Government Area. His blood pressure spiked as he narrated how his Muslim neighbors, in a shocking turn of events, set his uncle’s house ablaze, all while rejoicing in the act.
Le’an shared his account: “We managed to escape unhurt, but we heard and saw them rejoicing that we have been burnt in the house.” The violence had originated a few days prior when Fulani herders attacked Mwaghavul youths in the Sabon Gari area, triggering a series of confrontations.
Tensions escalated when Muslim settlers in Sabon Kaswa started attacking their Mwaghavul neighbors, accusing them of supporting the actions of Fulani herders. The unrest spread, resulting in the burning of houses and a COCIN Church at Sabon Kaswa. The violence reached Le’an’s area near EKAN Primary School, where Muslim neighbors joined in burning houses.
As chaos unfolded, Le’an and his uncle locked themselves in their house, believing they would be safe. However, to their horror, the attackers not only discovered their presence but actively sought to harm them. The account of their escape through the back door, with attackers at the front, paints a vivid picture of the terrifying circumstances.
Le’an recalls the attackers declaring, “Mun kona baban dake cikin dakin” (meaning ‘we have burnt baba inside the house’), referring to his uncle. The shocking incident has left them traumatized, waiting for the curfew to be lifted so they can seek refuge elsewhere.
As the violence unfolded, communication in the area became challenging due to poor network coverage. However, reports indicate that the situation has been brought under control, with a curfew enforced to maintain order.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 4, Ebong Eyibio, confirmed that nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. The recovery of dangerous weapons and exhibits, along with the commitment of security forces, aims to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, strongly denounced the security breach and offered condolences to the affected communities. Urging security agencies to intensify efforts, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the security of all citizens.
Amidst the tragedy, a sociocultural group, Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok, has called for calm following the burning of five members of the Tarok family in Mangu, urging restraint and discouraging retaliation.
As Plateau State navigates these challenging times, the accounts of survivors like Manji Le’an shed light on the human toll of the violence and emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive measures to restore peace and security in the region.
