At least 23 people have reportedly been killed in a deadly midnight attack on a Christian community in Binper, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, with several others injured and some residents still unaccounted for.
The attack, which reportedly began around midnight on Thursday, lasted for more than three hours, as assailants allegedly moved from house to house, forcing their way into residences and attacking residents while they slept.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Plateau State and the continued vulnerability of communities in the Middle Belt.
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a Northern pastor who raised the alarm over the incident, appealed to Nigerians and the international community to urgently respond to the reported killings and the wider security crisis affecting Plateau communities.
Dachomo described the incident as a devastating tragedy that had once again plunged the Binper community into mourning.
“I speak to Nigeria and to the entire world with a heart that is deeply broken and with tears that words can hardly explain. On this painful and heartbreaking day, a Christian community in Binper, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, has once again been thrown into mourning after a deadly midnight attack that reportedly claimed the lives of at least 23 innocent people,” he said.
According to him, several others were injured while some residents remained unaccounted for after the attack.
Dachomo said the attackers allegedly subjected residents to hours of terror as they moved through the community from one house to another.
“The attack began around midnight and continued for more than three terrifying hours. According to reports, the attackers moved through the community from house to house, forcing open doors and attacking innocent people in their sleep. Young and old alike were caught in this terrible violence,” he said.
He said the incident left families devastated, stressing that the victims should not be reduced to mere casualty figures.
“These were not just numbers. These were fathers, mothers, grandparents, children, brothers, sisters and young people. These were human beings created in the image of God. People with dreams, families, hopes and futures,” Dachomo said.
He said relatives of the victims were now left to confront losses and unanswered questions following the reported attack.
The pastor questioned how many more people would have to die before urgent and decisive measures were taken to protect vulnerable communities.
“How many more lives must be lost before the world says enough is enough? How many more mothers must bury their children? How many more children must grow up without their fathers and mothers?” he asked.
He also questioned how many communities would have to experience the terror of midnight attacks before stronger security measures were put in place.
Dachomo said the reported survivors who sustained injuries had been taken to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
He appealed for assistance for the injured, their families and residents displaced by the violence.
“Those who survived with injuries have been taken to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. They need treatment. They need medicine. They need care. Their families need support. And the displaced need protection and assistance,” he said.
The pastor urged Nigerians not to allow the reported killings to fade from public attention.
He also called on the international community to pay greater attention to the security crisis affecting Plateau State and other vulnerable communities across the Middle Belt.
“I am pleading with the world, please do not look away from Binper. Please do not allow these precious lives to become forgotten statistics. Please do not allow the suffering of Plateau State and the Middle Belt to become something the world simply scrolls past and forgets,” Dachomo said.
He called on the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, security agencies, humanitarian organisations, churches, Christian leaders and international organisations to urgently intervene.
Dachomo said residents of Plateau State deserved to live without fear and should be able to sleep in their homes without worrying about attacks.
“The people of Plateau State deserve to live in peace. They deserve to sleep in their homes without fear. They deserve protection. They deserve justice. They deserve to raise their children without wondering whether another night will bring another attack,” he said.
He further demanded an investigation into the attack, accountability for those responsible and immediate protection for affected communities.
“I am therefore pleading with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Plateau State Government, security agencies, humanitarian organisations, churches, Christian leaders and the international community. Please act. Please protect innocent communities. Please investigate these attacks. Please bring those responsible for killing innocent people to justice. Please help the wounded and displaced,” he said.
Dachomo said his appeal was also driven by his Christian faith and his belief that vulnerable and traumatised communities should not be abandoned after suffering deadly violence.
He expressed solidarity with the families of those reportedly killed, survivors receiving treatment and residents who remained fearful following the incident.
The reported attack adds to the security concerns in Plateau State, where communities have repeatedly suffered deadly violence, displacement and destruction.
However, details surrounding the Binper incident, including the identities and motives of the attackers, the final casualty figure and the status of missing residents, require confirmation from security agencies and relevant government authorities.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, account for residents who remain unaccounted for and strengthen security around affected communities to prevent further violence.
The United States has also condemned attacks in Plateau State and called for urgency in the government’s response to the growing security crisis.
Chronicles Reporters will continue to follow developments surrounding the Binper attack as further information becomes available from government authorities, security agencies and affected residents.