The death toll in Mangu, where suspected militias brutally murdered five indigenes of Lighilubang Village in Bungha District of Mangu Local Council of Plateau State at midnight of Friday, January 31, has risen to seven.
   
On the fateful night, a whole family of five was slaughtered in the gruesome attack. Before the midnight assault, there had been a viral security alert to an impending invasion on Mangu Market Day.
 
Executive Chairman of the Mangu council area, Emmanuel BalaMwolpun, condemned the heinous act. Before the death of the five persons, there had been separate murders of one Mrs Tabitha Dafer in the Lighilubang community of Bungha district of the same council area. Her body was just discovered near the road.
   
It was yet another thing yesterday when two lifeless bodies were found in the bush near Bungha district. The bodies were found by women, who were heading to fetch water and ran back to break the news.
   
There is apprehension in Mangu over the unsavoury development that has claimed seven lives between last Monday and Sunday. The unfortunate attacks have since been condemned by both the Christian and Muslim residents, stating that the militias just wanted to undermine the prevailing peace in the area.