Militia Attack Leaves Many Dead

Author: Gist Correspondent

Several residents have been killed and about 45 houses destroyed after suspected militia members attacked Jwak Maitumbi community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, also saw the assailants loot valuables and destroy large quantities of crops, forcing many residents to flee their homes.

According to security sources quoted by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the incident was reported around 7:45 a.m., prompting the deployment of troops to the affected community.

On arrival, security personnel reportedly found dozens of homes razed during the attack, while several residents had either been shot or killed by the attackers.

The assault triggered panic across the community, with women, children and elderly residents fleeing to safer locations to escape the violence.

The report further alleged that the attackers invaded farms belonging to Fulani residents and destroyed crops using cutlasses before escaping.

In response, troops summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi community, urging them to cooperate with security agencies in identifying those behind the attack.

The military said the move was aimed at preventing the violence from escalating and averting possible reprisal attacks.

Plateau State has witnessed recurring communal clashes over the years, with attacks often followed by retaliatory violence that has claimed lives, destroyed property and displaced thousands of residents.

Security experts warned that failure to identify and prosecute those responsible for the latest attack could heighten tensions and encourage further violence.

Troops have continued to maintain a strong presence in the area while engaging community and traditional leaders as part of efforts to restore peace, de-escalate tensions and prevent another round of attacks.

The latest incident has further raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Mangu Local Government Area, where many residents have reportedly been displaced by the violence.