Three killed as herders clash with youths in Plateau community

Three people have been killed in a clash involving herders and Mwaghavul youths in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, reported that the deceased included one resident of the community and two herders. Another community member was reportedly injured in the incident.

According to the publication, the clash occurred at about 7:35am on August 12 after an earlier confrontation involving youths from the two communities. Makama reported that troops intervened to contain the violence.

“The troops responded to reports of sustained gunfire at the location and swiftly moved in to contain the situation,” Makama reported.

“According to the source, the troops deployed superior firepower, forcing both sides to withdraw from the area.

“The troops subsequently conducted clearance operations, supported by drone surveillance, which confirmed that the area was clear of the combatants.

“The clash resulted in the deaths of three persons, comprising one member of the local community and two Fulani herders.

“One other person from the local community also sustained injuries.”

The publication said normalcy returned to the community after the military intervention, while troops remained in the area to prevent further violence and stop the parties from regrouping.

Makama also reported that security forces continued to monitor the affected communities as efforts were made to prevent the conflict from escalating.

Nigeria’s long-running farmer-herder crisis has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people, with the north-central region particularly affected.