Women from the Bin-Per community in Ruff, Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday as 24 residents killed by gunmen were given a mass burial.
The women marched through the community carrying leaves and mourning the victims while calling on the government to urgently strengthen security and protect residents from further attacks.
The protest came hours after armed men reportedly invaded homes in the community during the night, leaving residents grieving and fearful of further violence.
One of the protesters, Mrs Ladi Joshua, said the women were devastated by the loss of their husbands, children, relatives and other members of the community.
Holding leaves above their heads, the protesters expressed their anger and grief over the killings and called for an end to recurring attacks in Bin-Per and other communities across Plateau State.
Speaking during the burial mass, President of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement, Kyesmang Jonathan, confirmed that 24 victims had been buried following the attack.
He said some residents who sustained injuries were still receiving treatment in hospitals, while the community continued to deal with the emotional and physical impact of the violence.
Jonathan described the killings as a painful loss to the community and condemned the continued attacks on innocent residents.
He called on the government and security agencies to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of life.
The youth leader also commiserated with the families of the deceased, sympathized with injured and displaced residents, and urged security authorities to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings.
