Plateau bloodbath: We have buried over 120 people in Mangu, says Gwankat

THENational President of M w a g h a v u l Development Association in Plateau State, Sir Joseph Gwankat, has said that no fewer than 120 people of Mangu have so far been buried as a result of the unprovoked attack unleashed on the community by Fulani mercenaries.

He added that some other deceased victims that were brutally butchered and dumped in the well are not included among those buried.

The Makaman Panyam, while addressing journalists, at the weekend, at the

Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) Press Centre in Jos, said that some dead bodies are still floating on the rivers, which they have not picked.

He also said that 20 villages in Mangu were affected badly as they have all been pulled down, while 20,000 people have been displaced as a result of the attack.

Gwankat, who lamented that the presence of government has not been felt, said: “We will not leave our land of heritage. This is the only place we can call our own. We have no any other place to run to.

“The humanitarian situation is overwhelming and people are either squatting with relatives, neighbours, in churches and other available public places. They need food, toiletries, medication and places where they can rest their heads.

“There is trauma and psychological depression. There is fear of even their safety where they are taking shelter as the threats spread across the local council.”

He, therefore, urged government to take immediate steps to facilitate the return of all persons that have become refugees in different Internally- Displaced Persons ( IDP) camps by reconstructing their homes and providing security for them as well.

Meanwhile, 11 decomposed bodies were, yesterday, found behind some burnt buildings.

The bodies, including that of the village head, Obidah Manja, were given mass burial.

According to a source, the bodies were discovered as result of unbearable odour oozing out from the place. The Guardian learnt that the Fulani militia had taken over Marit Hill in Barkin Ladi Local Council of the state as their camp where they attack people that are returning

PHOTO: LUCY LADIDI ATEKO Speakership aspirants for the 10th House of Representatives: Mariam Onoha ( left), Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Muktar Betara and Aminu Sani Jaji, during the G- 7 and the Greater- Minority Caucus meeting to present consensus candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions in Abuja… at the weekend.