Tragedy struck in Plateau State as gunmen invaded Chicim community in Mangu Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of no fewer than eight persons. The attack, which occurred around 10:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, also left three individuals injured and receiving medical treatment. Sources reported that the assailants stormed the community, located just a kilometer from Mangu town, and began shooting sporadically.

A resident of Chicim, Kespan Iliya, recounted that community members were asleep when the gunmen launched their assault in a 'commando style,' indiscriminately firing at anything in sight. The violence extended to another community on the same day, as over 96 houses were reportedly razed in Gyenbwas, located in the Langai district of Mangu Local Government Area.

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incidents, with spokesperson D.S.P. Alfred Alabo issuing a statement. In response, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina deployed additional manpower to Mangu LGA, visited the scenes of the attacks, and commiserated with the bereaved families.

The military also engaged the attackers. Troops from the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, acting on distress calls, swiftly mobilized to Chicim Village around 10:00 p.m. They engaged the gunmen in a fierce battle, successfully forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bushes.

Following the initial response in Chicim, security forces received further alerts from other communities within Mangu that were experiencing similar assaults. Reinforcements were immediately dispatched, and military personnel successfully repelled the attackers in all affected areas. Sources on the ground later confirmed that two additional lifeless bodies were recovered from separate locations in the aftermath of these widespread attacks and were evacuated to the General Hospital in Mangu. Security patrols have since been intensified across the local government area to deter further violence and reassure residents.