Women from the Bin-Per community in Ruff, Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Tuesday held a peaceful protest over the killing of 24 people by gunmen.
The women marched in large numbers with leaves, mourning the deaths and calling for urgent government action to protect their lives and communities.
The protest came after armed men reportedly invaded the community overnight, entering homes and killing residents.
One of the protesters, Mrs Ladi Joshua, said the women were devastated by the loss of their husbands, children, relatives and other community members.
Meanwhile, the 24 victims have been buried in a mass burial, while several others injured in the attack are receiving treatment in hospitals.
President of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement, Comr. Kyesmang Jonathan, disclosed this during a burial mass for the victims on Tuesday. He said 24 people had so far been buried.
Jonathan condemned the killings and urged the government and security agencies to act quickly to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further deaths. He also sympathised with the families of the dead, injured and displaced residents, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Also condemning the attack, ADC scribe in Plateau State, Hon. Jude Eli Dakur, described it as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.
Dakur mourned the loss of lives and destruction of homes, farmlands and property. He urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and the deployment of personnel to vulnerable communities.
He also called for effective rapid-response systems to handle distress calls and urged the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies to work together to improve security and restore public confidence.
