Plateau State has recently been gripped by a spate of violent attacks, with a significant incident reported in the Mangu Local Government Area (LGA). At least 15 farmers were reportedly killed in a fresh assault on seven villages within the Chakfem district of Mangu LGA, including Manden, Jibin, Tim, Jiblang, Koppang, Mihdihin, and Jilem. The assailants not only claimed lives, including those of women and children, but also set ablaze numerous houses, including a traditional ruler’s residence and his official vehicle, and looted animals. This devastating attack left many residents injured, with over 3,000 individuals displaced and seeking refuge. The injured are currently receiving medical attention at COCIN Hospital-Mwar-Chakfem.

Mr. Bulus Dabit, the National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), confirmed the incident, highlighting the delayed dissemination of information due to the difficult-to-access terrain of the affected areas. He noted that the attack occurred on a Monday evening between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., catching many residents off guard as they had retired for the night. Security agencies faced challenges reaching the communities promptly, with personnel only able to arrive the following day due to the area’s rugged terrain and remote location. Chakfem district’s shared boundaries with Quanpan LGA and parts of Nasarawa State are believed to provide entry points for the attackers.

Survivors recounted their harrowing experiences. His Royal Highness, Da Raymond Yombish, described escaping while his official Jeep was torched, emphasizing the overwhelming number of attackers. Sohotden Emmanuel shared how he hid on a nearby farm until the assailants departed, describing the surprise and overwhelming numerical superiority of the attackers. Both survivors appealed to the government for protection and empowerment for communities to defend themselves.

Mr. Dabit accused members of the Fulani community of perpetrating the attack, alleging that this was one of several attempts by hundreds of attackers to invade their communities, with this latest attempt finally succeeding. He stated their intention was to reach the heart of Mangu and ultimately Mwaghavul, employing a strategy of moving from smaller communities. Dabit further detailed four routes or “gateways” used by the Fulani to invade, asserting that the Mwaghavul people are constantly on the defensive, not initiating attacks.

In response to these grave allegations, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), vehemently denied any involvement from his association. He condemned the attack and offered condolences to the bereaved, but asserted that the accusations were baseless and called for thorough investigations by relevant security agencies. As of the time of reporting, security agencies, including the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major Samson Zhakom, had not issued official statements regarding the attack.

Beyond Mangu, communities in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State have also suffered extensively. Under the banner of Bokkos Concerned Youth, these communities appealed to military and police forces for active pursuit of attackers as killings and destruction persist. Mr. Dapet Chris Ortega, spokesperson for the group, revealed that over 10 communities have been completely sacked and occupied by bandits, with more than 61 communities experiencing violent attacks and displacement. He spoke of innocent families being entirely wiped out, resulting in thousands of lives lost and billions in property damage. Mr. Ortega also accused the Fulani of these attacks, an allegation again dismissed by MACBAN’s State Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, as baseless.

The Bokkos Concerned Youth group urged the government to empower communities with resources for recovery, engage with local, civil society, and traditional leaders to address terrorist activities, and invest in economic development, education, and social services to combat underlying drivers of insecurity. These tragic incidents in Plateau State reflect a broader pattern of insecurity across northern Nigeria, which has been a recurring theme in national news reports. For instance, Daily Trust also reported on this Mangu LGA attack, while other papers like The Nation and LEADERSHIP highlighted similar gunmen attacks and their devastating impact on communities across the North.