In the early hours of Saturday morning, there were reports of a violent clash between soldiers and gunmen in two villages situated in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.Â
The confrontation unfolded shortly after Governor Caleb Mutfwang eased the previously imposed 24-hour curfew in the region.
Governor Mutfwang had cited improved security conditions, subsequently adjusting the curfew to be in effect from 8 am to 4 pm.
According to sources, the clash specifically occurred in Satguru and Tyop villages. Disturbingly, numerous casualties were reported as a result of the skirmish.
Allegedly, around 30 gunmen lost their lives, while some soldiers sustained injuries during the altercation.
A security operative, preferring to remain anonymous, provided insights into the incident. Reportedly, between 7 to 7:30 am, a significant number of gunmen descended upon the communities along Gindri road, initiating the attack.
Swiftly alerted, the soldiers promptly responded to the unfolding situation.
The anonymous security source detailed that approximately 30 of the gunmen were killed during the clash, and more than 50 individuals were apprehended with firearms and ammunition in their possession.
Regrettably, four soldiers also suffered injuries in the course of the confrontation.
Another source from the area, who also requested anonymity, confirmed the incident, expressing that a palpable sense of fear still lingered among the local populace.
Despite the reported actions taken by the security forces, the situation left the community unsettled.
As of now, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security taskforce responsible for maintaining peace in the area, has not provided any official response to inquiries surrounding the incident.
The lack of communication from the security taskforce adds to the uncertainty and concern surrounding the events that transpired on that fateful Saturday morning.
