[News] Plateau killings: 57 victims get mass burial as death toll rises to 85

The death toll in Tuesday’s attack in Fungzai and Kubwat villages in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State has risen to 85 as search for missing persons continues in the affected communities.

National President, Mwaghavul Development Association, Joseph Gwankat, made this known while speaking to journalists on Wednesday after a security meeting at the palace of the traditional ruler in Mangu.

He added that the search for missing persons is still ongoing in the affected communities.

He lamented the killings and called on security operatives to come to their rescue.

Gwankat, noted that several communities were attacked simultaneously by suspected herdsmen, leading to killings as well as burning of houses and destruction of farmlands in the affected communities.

Protesting women also besieged the palace of the traditional ruler where the security meeting was convened with security chiefs, district heads and government officials led by the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Tyoden, to address the security challenge in the LGA.

The Mishkcham Mwaghavul, John Putmang Hirse, alongside the local government chairman and district heads from the communities appealed for the deployment of reinforcements to the communities to safeguard citizens.

Meanwhile, 57 of the victims were given a mass burial amidst tears by relatives and members of the community who gathered to witness the funeral service on Wednesday.

A local government official who craved anonymity told the Nigerian Tribune that 30 of the victims from Fungzai were given mass burial.

Another batch of 22 in Kubwat and five who died while receiving treatment, were buried at about 3:pm.