Women in Bin-Per community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the killing of residents during a deadly overnight attack.
The protest came as the community held a mass burial for victims of the attack, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.
At least 24 people were confirmed killed in the attack, according to the Mwaghavul Youth Movement, while several others were injured. However, the Plateau State House of Assembly later cited a preliminary figure of 25 deaths in Bin-Per and another casualty in neighbouring Jwak and Murish communities.
Residents said the attackers invaded the community at night and moved from house to house, shooting residents and setting properties ablaze.
Several houses were reportedly destroyed, while farmlands, barns and stored food were also affected by the violence.
During the protest, the women marched through the community carrying leaves and mourning the victims. They called on the government and security agencies to take urgent steps to protect residents from further attacks.
One of the protesters, Mrs Ladi Joshua, lamented the loss of family members and other loved ones, urging authorities to strengthen security in the area.
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The victims were later buried in a mass ceremony attended by members of the community and local leaders.
President of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement, Kyesmang Jonathan, confirmed that 24 victims were buried and said some of the injured were receiving treatment in hospitals.
The Plateau State House of Assembly condemned the attack and called for improved intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid deployment of security personnel to vulnerable communities.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang also directed security agencies to intensify patrols and surveillance in Bin-Per and other communities considered vulnerable to attacks.
The latest violence has heightened concerns over recurring attacks in Mangu and the impact on residents, particularly farmers whose homes, crops and stored food have been destroyed.
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