Tragedy Strikes Plateau: Gunmen Defy Curfew, Leaving Over 30 Dead and Homes in Flames

 

 On January 25, 2024, over 30 people were killed and several houses were destroyed in the Kwahaslalek and surrounding communities in Nigeria's central Plateau State. Despite a 24-hour curfew imposed on Tuesday in Plateau’s Mangu local district, schools, places of worship, and homes have been burned and ransacked in more attacks. The Mwaghavul Development Association, an organization for ethnic Mwaghavul people who are mostly Christians, blamed Fulani Muslim herders for attacking Kwahaslalek village, killing approximately 30 people. The aid source said more than 100 people had been wounded. Security personnel are yet to comment on the death toll from the most recent attacks. Two camps for the displaced have been set up in Mangu town, for about 1,500 people, local chairman of Nigeria Red Cross Nurudeen Husaini Magaji told AFP.

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a 24-hour curfew on the Mangu Local Government Area of the state with immediate effect. The development was confirmed in a statement. The clashes between Muslim herders and Christian farming communities have erupted for years in Plateau State. The situation has been worsened by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which have been used to carry out attacks and counter-attacks. The Nigerian government has been criticized for not doing enough to address the situation. The government has been urged to take urgent steps to address the root causes of the conflict and to bring the perpetrators to justice.The situation in Plateau State is a reminder of the need for governments to take proactive measures to address the root causes of conflicts. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is a major challenge that needs to be addressed. The Nigerian government needs to work with other stakeholders to address the issue of small arms and light weapons. The government also needs to address the issue of impunity, which has allowed perpetrators of violence to go unpunished. The government needs to ensure that those responsible for the violence in Plateau State are brought to justice.