Not less than 20 people were reportedly killed while several houses burnt down As gunmen continue their onslaught against communities in Plateau State.

According to reports by the Nigerian tribune, at least fourteen people, mostly women, were burned to death, and another six were killed in different communities in Mangu and Riyom local government areas of the state in the early hours of Wednesday.

It was reported that the gunmen, suspected to be Fulani militias stormed the Bwai community around 12:34 am and set fire to a Church of Christ in the Nation (COCIN) and other properties, including motorcycles and vehicles, within the premises.

A source close to the community revealed that the clergyman and his family who lived within the church premises escaped unharmed, while the attackers went on a burning spree, targeting the market near the church.

The source further explained that the assailants moved to the neighboring community called Chisu along the Mangu-Bokkos road. There, they unleashed terror on the residents, resulting in the death of 14 people who were burned to death.

The people of Chisu, who had received information about the attack on Bwai, sought refuge in the bush. However, some individuals, mostly women, took shelter in the house of the community leader.

“Unfortunately, those who sought shelter in the community leader’s house were trapped as the militias blocked both the entrance and exit before setting it on fire. They ensured that the people inside were burned to death,” the source said.

“When we arrived at the burned house of the community leader this morning, we discovered at least fourteen charred bodies beyond recognition. During the more than two-hour attack, the gunmen also burned down several houses and other properties.”

The source also mentioned that there was prior intelligence about the attack, which was relayed to the appropriate security.