Several residents are feared dead after gunmen attacked settlements in Jwak Maitumbi community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday, with the assailants also destroying houses and crops and looting residents’ valuables.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, about 45 residential shelters were destroyed during the attack, while large quantities of crops were also reportedly damaged.
The incident was said to have been reported at about 7:45am on Sunday, prompting troops to move into the affected community.
A military security source told Zagazola Makama that troops discovered about 45 houses destroyed when they arrived at the scene, while valuables belonging to residents had been looted.
The report said several residents were reportedly gunned down before some were allegedly slaughtered by the attackers.
The attack triggered mass displacement as women, children and elderly residents fled the area for safety. The assailants were also reported to have entered farms belonging to Fulani residents and destroyed crops with cutlasses.
Following the attack, troops reportedly summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi and directed the community leaders to assist security agencies in identifying those responsible.
The incident has raised concerns over possible reprisal attacks, as violence in parts of Plateau State has frequently involved cycles of attacks and retaliation between communities.
Zagazola Makama warned that the destruction of homes and crops could trigger further violence if the perpetrators are not identified and brought to justice.
The report said troops were continuing to dominate the area while engaging community and traditional leaders to de-escalate tensions, prevent retaliatory attacks and restore calm.
