In a perplexing turn of events in Mangu, Plateau State, residents continue to flee their homes even as reported attacks have seen a decline.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent decision to relax the curfew from 8 am to 4 pm, aiming to restore normalcy, has not stemmed the exodus of fearful residents.
BusinessDay reported that the Plateau State Governor, Mutfwang, has relaxed the curfew imposed on the Mangu local government area of the state.
On Wednesday, the governor imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu LGA over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday killed 30 persons and burnt several houses in Kwahaslalek village in the area.
But as the security situation in the area improves, the governor In a statement issued on Friday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said the curfew would be in place from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily until further notice.
While the decrease in attacks may have initially provided a glimmer of hope, the persistent atmosphere of fear and uncertainty appears to outweigh any perceived improvement.
Numerous families have opted to leave their homes, expressing concerns about their safety and the lingering threat of violence.
Governor Mutfwang’s decision to ease the curfew, intended to facilitate daily activities, seems to have had unintended consequences.
Instead of fostering a sense of security, it has contributed to a mass migration of residents seeking refuge outside the troubled area.
The reasons behind this ongoing exodus remain complex, with many residents citing a lack of confidence in the current security situation.
Local authorities are grappling with the dual challenge of addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring the safety of those choosing to remain in Mangu.
Jacob Nyamtu, a father of three told BusinessDay in Jos that “even though there has been no attack again, we don’t know what will happen next that’s why my family and are is running for our dear lives”.
Another resident of Mangu who simply gave his name as Bako, said the governor has relax the curfew and security personnel are all over the place but there is still fear of the unknown.
Bako added that “we can no longer sleep with our eyes close that’s why some of us have decided to run to Jos to stay”.
BusinessDay observed that many residents of Mangu are fleeing to neighboring local governments and communities.
As the situation unfolds, the plight of Mangu’s residents underscores the delicate balance between easing restrictions to encourage normal life and ensuring the security needed to rebuild shattered community trust.
The evolving dynamics in Plateau State demand a comprehensive approach to address both the immediate safety concerns and the long-term stability of the area.
