24 Killed in Bin-Per Attack as Plateau Orders Security Surge

At least 24 people were killed after gunmen attacked the Bin-Per community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, residents said.

The attack reportedly happened between Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday, with heavily armed attackers allegedly moving from house to house while residents slept.

An eyewitness, Daniel Musa, said: “Our village came under attack last night and in the early hours of today, (yesterday), by heavily armed persons. “They were moving from house to house, opening the doors of people who were sleeping and slaughtering them. “As of this morning, we have confirmed over 24 deaths, while several others sustained serious injuries and some people are still missing.”

Another resident, John Dalyop, confirmed the Bin-Per attack and described the situation as terrible. He called on the authorities to strengthen security around vulnerable communities in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.

“We expected the new Commissioner of Police in the state to act quickly and go after those responsible,” he said.

Dalyop said injured victims had been taken to nearby hospitals, while community leaders and residents continued efforts to locate those still missing. Security personnel were also reportedly deployed to the community to restore calm and prevent further violence.

The Mwaghavul Youth Movement also confirmed that 24 people were killed. The group said several others suffered injuries, while houses were reportedly burnt and crops destroyed.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Sunday, the movement expressed “deep grief, anger and profound dissatisfaction” over the attack. It said the violence had destroyed families and threatened the livelihoods of residents who depend heavily on farming.

The group also questioned the effectiveness of existing security arrangements, noting that the attack happened despite security measures intended to protect vulnerable communities.

The violence prompted women from Bin-Per community in Ruff, Kombun District, to stage a peaceful protest. Carrying leaves, the women marched and called for urgent government action to protect residents.

One protester, Mrs Ladi Joshua, said the women were devastated by the loss of husbands, children, relatives and other community members.

Meanwhile, 24 victims were given a mass burial, while injured survivors continued to receive treatment in hospitals.

Speaking during the burial, Mwaghavul Youth Movement President Kyesmang Jonathan confirmed that 24 people had been buried. He condemned the killings and described the loss as a painful blow to the community.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretary in Plateau State, Jude Dakur, also condemned the Bin-Per attack, describing it as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable. He expressed concern over the destruction of homes, farmland and other property.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed security agencies to increase surveillance and patrols in Mangu and other vulnerable areas.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, the governor condemned the attack and described it as a disturbing development that could threaten the peace and security being built across the state.

The attack has also drawn attention outside Nigeria. US Congressman Riley Moore urged the US Department of State not to remove Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation, citing the killings in Plateau State.

“This is exactly why the @StateDept cannot lift Nigeria’s CPC designation. Nothing has changed in the Middle Belt,” Moore wrote on X.

He added: “There may be progress in the North, but nothing has changed in the Middle Belt where most attacks against Christians occur. We must stop the genocide,”

Nigeria was designated a CPC by the US State Department in December 2020 under the first Trump administration over concerns about religious freedom. The Biden administration removed the country from the list in November 2021.

The latest Bin-Per attack has renewed calls for stronger protection of vulnerable communities and faster security responses to attacks across Plateau State.

How can the government improve security and prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities in Plateau State?