The African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in Plateau State, Hon. Jude Eli Dakur, has condemned the deadly attack on Bin-Per community in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed 24 lives and left several others injured.
Dakur described the attack as “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of homes, farmlands and other properties belonging to residents.
The ADC governorship candidate, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the killing of innocent citizens, particularly those attacked while asleep in their homes, represented a grave assault on the sanctity of human life and should not be allowed to become a recurring feature of life in Plateau State.
He commiserated with the families of those killed, the injured and displaced persons, as well as the people of Mangu Local Government Area, particularly residents of Bin-Per and the Kombun District.
Dakur called on security agencies to immediately mobilise and go after the perpetrators, stressing that those responsible for the attack must be identified, arrested and brought to justice.
He urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and surveillance in vulnerable communities across Mangu and other parts of Plateau State to prevent further attacks and protect residents.
He also called for the immediate deployment of adequate security personnel to vulnerable communities and the establishment of effective rapid-response mechanisms capable of responding promptly to distress calls.
According to him, the latest attack was particularly disturbing given the repeated security challenges confronting communities across the state, stressing that residents should not be left to defend themselves against armed attackers.
Dakur urged the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies to work together to strengthen security and restore confidence among citizens.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security authorities, while avoiding actions that could further escalate tensions.
The ADC governorship candidate called for calm and unity among the people of Mangu and assured affected communities of his solidarity and prayers.
“On behalf of my family, supporters and the good people who share our vision for a peaceful and prosperous Plateau, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and to the entire Mangu community.
“We mourn with you. We stand with you.
We condemn this senseless violence and call on the security agencies to urgently go after the perpetrators and ensure that justice is served.
“Every life lost is precious, and no community should live under the constant fear of attack.
The people of Mangu deserve to live, farm and carry out their legitimate activities in peace and a secure environment,” he said.
Dakur prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
