Lalong condemns Plateau attack as gunmen kill 11, injure 4

The Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong has condemned in strong terms the attack by gunmen at Kulben village in Kombun district of Mangu LGA on Wednesday 8th January 2020 that left 11 dead and four injured.

Governor Lalong through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Simon Macham, while reacting to the incident described the attack as “another attempt to puncture the peace that has gradually returned to the State”.

gathered that 13 persons were killed in the attack and 4 others injured are receiving treatment.

While commiserating with victims and families of those killed, the Governor warned that his administration will not sit down and watch any group or individuals causing chaos in the State and return it to the dark days of insecurity.

“We have toiled to ensure that peace returns to Plateau State and we will not allow anyone to make nonsense our efforts.

“We are determined to deal decisively and firmly with anybody found culpable in attacking or inciting people to carry out attacks against one another”.

He commended security agencies for arresting 7 suspects connected to the killings and restoring normalcy in the area.

Lalong assured that thorough investigations will be carried out to get to the roots of the matter as anyone found wanting will face the full wrath of the law.

The Governor called for calm and advised against reprisals as Government is dealing with the situation.

He also said that those injured as a result of the incident have been taken to the General hospital Mangu and are responding to treatment.

Meantime, the member representing Mangu South Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Bala Fwangje has described as “Barbaric and an unacceptable act” the killings of 13 persons in the area which is part of his constituency.

Fwanje noted that the people of Kulben community are peaceful and accommodating and wondered why some enemies of the state will lay siege on innocent and harmless people of the area.

The Lawmaker called for calm among his constituents.

He also confirmed that most of the victims of the attack were youths, adding that four of them are receiving treatment in the hospital.