Mangu attacks- death toll hits 28, MDA demands sustained military action
By Golok Nanmwa
JOS – The Mwaghavul Development Association, MDA, has condemned the recent attacks on communities in Mwaghavul land, saying 28 people were killed in separate attacks on Bin Mper and Murish communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The association also called on the Federal, Plateau State and local governments to prioritise the protection of lives and property, stressing the need for sustained and decisive military operations to end attacks on vulnerable communities.
The MDA made the call in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Friday Derwam, after an extraordinary meeting of its Central Working Committee, CWC, at the weekend and made available to journalists in Jos on Monday.
The meeting, according to the association, reviewed reports from its National Executive Committee, internal constitutional matters and the impact of government policies on the Mwaghavul people, with particular attention to the worsening security situation in their ancestral communities.
The association described the attacks as “unprovoked acts of aggression” by armed bandits, saying 28 lives were lost in Bin Mper and Murish, while homes, farmlands and other property worth millions of naira were destroyed.
“MDA mourns this devastating loss and stands in complete solidarity with the affected families,” the statement said.
While condemning the attacks, the association commended the security agencies for their proactive measures and rapid intervention, which it said helped to prevent further escalation of the situation.
It specifically commended the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, General Maxwell Dangana who is also the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, OPEP, for what it described as a swift operational response and improved inter-agency collaboration in the affected communities.
The MDA also praised Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for his response to the attacks, particularly his visit to Bin Mper community.
It said the governor’s visit, deployment of additional security personnel, pledge of relief assistance and commitment to constructing access roads to improve security response had offered some reassurance to residents.
The association equally commended Mwaghavul youths for their resilience, courage and vigilance in protecting their communities, but urged them to operate within the confines of the law.
“The CWC assures our brave youth of the Association’s unwavering support, ongoing prayers and continuous backing as they stand firm in safeguarding our communities,” it stated.
On the wider security situation, the MDA maintained that protecting lives and property remained the primary responsibility of government at all levels.
It therefore called for sustained military operations to secure vulnerable communities, dismantle bandit hideouts and end the cycle of violence across Plateau State and other parts of the country.
The association further urged the Federal, state and local governments to place national security above political and economic considerations, insisting that the safety of citizens must remain a priority.
According to the MDA, residents would only be able to return to their farms and rebuild their homes and livelihoods when communities are adequately secured and the persistent attacks brought to an end.
The post Mangu attacks- death toll hits 28, MDA demands sustained military action appeared first on Vanguard News.