Terrorists operating in Plateau State have issued a threat to carry out fresh attacks on a community in the state, scheduled for today, Friday.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, Stanley Kavwam, confirmed the threat on Thursday during an interview on Arise TV.

According to Kavwam, the terrorists sent a letter to the Pushit community in Mangu Local Government Area, his hometown, notifying them of an imminent attack. He mentioned that previous attacks in the area were also preceded by similar warning letters dropped by anonymous individuals.

This development comes just four days after gunmen launched a brutal assault on 17 communities during the Christmas eve, resulting in numerous casualties and the destruction of entire communities. The death toll from these attacks has risen to 196, with 149 burials reported in Bokkos Local Government Area and 28 lives lost in Barkin Ladi LGA. Additionally, 19 people were gunned down in Mangu Local Government Area, all within a 24-hour period.

The repeated massacres in Plateau State have raised concerns about the identity of the attackers. While a security source claims that their identities are known and that some individuals in the state are hindering security efforts, others, including federal lawmaker Hon Peter Ibrahim Gyendeng, have also stated that the security agencies are aware of the attackers’ identities. In a resurfaced video clip, Gyendeng acknowledged that the terrorists often issue notices before their attacks and expressed frustration over the ongoing situation.

The ongoing violence in Plateau State has created a sense of urgency to address the security challenges and apprehend the perpetrators. Efforts are being made by security agencies to bring an end to these attacks, but the complexity of the issue and the involvement of certain stakeholders in the state complicate the resolution process.