Despite reports from Mangu LGA of Plateau State that 29 people lost their lives in an attack by yet-to-be-identified assailants in the Bwoi District of the LGA, the police are yet to come out with figures of victims.
Sources in Mangu LGA confirmed that the victims of the aforementioned incident were mostly women and children.
The Plateau State Police Command through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, while confirming that there was an attack in the area, said, “The Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, Bartholomew Onyeka has expressed his sadness to the good people of Plateau State on the unfortunate incident that took place in Bwoi District of Mangu LGA, which has claimed the lives of yet to be identified persons from various villages within the area.
According to him, “On 15th May, 2023, at about 11:56 hours, a distress call was received from one of our Police officers in charge of Tanknale village of Mangu LGA that some unknown gunmen are shooting sporadically in a nearby village.
“Upon receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, Bartolomew Onyeka immediately mobilised all Command assets to the scene to ensure that the suspects are arrested and brought to book.
“Further information from the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID, ACP Bawa Sale, who was also present at the scene, reveals that with help from other security agencies in the command, a very hot chase was given to the hoodlums.
“Due to our heavy firepower, the hoodlums abandoned about four motorcycles which are presently in the custody of the STF and one Sharon vehicle with Plateau State registration number (MGU 988 HK ) and some items used for their nefarious activities”, he explained.
“As we speak, the culprits are on the run while our officers are still on their trail with the aim to ensure that they are neutralized and if possible, arrested.
“The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, assures the good people of Plateau State that all necessary measures are being put in place to ensure peace and forestall any future occurrence of such inhuman acts.”
The CP also urges the residents of the State to continue to offer the Police all necessary intelligence as doing so will go a long way to help the Police in the investigation.
“Further developments concerning the incident will be communicated to you in due course”, he assured.