Many feared dead as gunmen attack Plateau community

Several residents of settlements in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, are feared dead following an attack by suspected militia members.

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

According to Makama, the incident was reported at about 7:45am on Sunday, prompting troops to deploy to the affected community.

A military security source told Zagazola Makama that upon arrival, the troops discovered that about 45 houses had been destroyed and valuables belonging to residents looted by the attackers.

“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 said the destruction of the houses and crops could trigger revenge if affected residents or their associates believe that those responsible have not been identified or brought to justice.

The publication warned that failure to establish accountability could deepen perceptions of impunity and increase the likelihood of affected communities taking the law into their own hands.

“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.”