At least 15 farmers have been killed following a coordinated attack on seven villages in Chakfem district of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The affected communities; Manden, Jibin, Tim, Jiblang, Koppang, Mihdihin, and Jilem were overrun on Monday evening, between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm, by gunmen who reportedly burned homes, looted livestock, and left scores injured. Over 3,000 residents were forced to flee.
Several homes were destroyed, including the traditional ruler’s residence and official vehicle.
Many of the victims were women and children.
Survivors are receiving treatment at COCIN Hospital, Mwar-Chakfem.
The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Mr. Bulus Dabit, confirmed the incident and blamed delayed security response on the difficult terrain and inaccessibility of the communities.
“Security forces only reached the scene the next day, by which time the attackers had fled,” he said.
Dabit warned that if urgent action isn’t taken, remote communities like theirs face the threat of total annihilation.
Survivors described a night of terror and helplessness:
HRH Da Raymond Yombish, whose palace was razed, said:
“I managed to escape, but they burned my official Jeep. The attackers came in large numbers.”
Another survivor, Sohotden Emmanuel, said:
“We were ambushed. I ran to a nearby farm to hide. Only divine intervention saved us.”
Mr. Dabit alleged that Fulani militants were behind the attacks, saying previous attempts to invade the communities had failed until now.
He claimed the attackers used four different routes into Mangu, aiming to reach the heart of the Mwaghavul territory.
In response, MACBAN Plateau Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, denied any involvement, saying:
“We condemn the attack and sympathize with the victims. The accusation is unfounded. We urge a thorough investigation.”
Security agencies have not yet commented. Attempts to reach Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) spokesperson Major Samson Zhakom were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Bokkos LGA continues to suffer similar attacks. At a press briefing in Jos, the Bokkos Concerned Youth group said over 10 communities have been overtaken by armed groups, with 61 others attacked in recent months.
Spokesperson Mr. Dapet Chris Ortega called for urgent military intervention:
“Whole families have been wiped out. The frequency and scale of these attacks are unbearable.”
He also accused suspected Fulani attackers of being responsible, an allegation again rejected by MACBAN.
The group urged the federal government to equip local communities with tools to defend themselves, engage stakeholders to tackle root causes of violence and invest in economic development and education in affected areas.
