Over 120 died in latest Plateau killings – Group

NO FEWER than 120 people of Manguin Plateau State have so far been buried as death toll continues to mount in the bloodbath that rocked the community last week.

National President of Mwaghavul Development Association, Joseph Gwankat, gave the figure while addressing journalistsat Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos, yesterday.

Describing how some victims were brutally butchered and dumped in the well, Gwankat said some dead bodies are still floating on the rivers.

According to him, these are not part of the figures he gave because they have not been picked.

Gwankat 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.

“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,”Gwankat said.

Heurged 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.