Gunmen attack Plateau community, several feared killed

Several residents of settlements in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu LGA of Plateau state, are feared dead following an attack by suspected militia members.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, reported that the attackers also destroyed about 45 residential shelters and large quantities of crops during the incident.

According to Makama, the attack was reported around 7:45am on Sunday, after which troops were deployed to the affected community.

A military security source told Zagazola Makama that the troops found about 45 houses destroyed when they arrived, while the attackers had also looted residents’ valuables.

“In the early hours of the attack, several residents were gunned down by the attackers before slaughtering them,” Makama said.

“The attack immediately triggered mass displacement with women, children and the elderly running for safety.

“The assailants also reportedly entered farms belonging to Fulani residents and used cutlasses to destroy a large quantity of crops.

“Following the incident, troops summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi community, directing the community leadership to assist security agencies in identifying and producing those responsible for the attack.

“The development is particularly sensitive because the conflict in parts of Plateau has frequently been characterised by tit-for-tat attacks, in which an attack on one community is followed by retaliation against another community, often resulting in further deaths, destruction of property and displacement.”

Makama warned that the destruction of homes and crops could fuel retaliatory attacks if those affected or their associates feel that the perpetrators have not been identified or prosecuted.

The publication also said a lack of accountability could strengthen perceptions of impunity and encourage affected communities to pursue their own form of justice.

“Plateau has experienced several episodes of this nature, with targeted attacks and reprisals often spreading beyond the location where the initial incident occurred,” Makama said.

“The danger is that the latest incident could similarly be interpreted through the lens of previous attacks rather than as an isolated criminal act.

“The intervention was aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing possible reprisal attacks capable of escalating tensions between communities in the area.

“Troops have continued to dominate the general area while engaging community and traditional leaders as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions, prevent retaliatory violence and restore calm.”

TheCable contacted Alfred Alabo, spokesperson for the Plateau state police command, for comment on the incident, but he had not responded as of press time.