Fulani Bandits Killed Six in Mangu Less than 24 hours after attack on harder, livestock by local militia
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than six persons were killed and several others injured in separate attacks on communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, less than 24 hours after reported attacks on herders and livestock in the area, security sources have disclosed.
The attack was the latest among series of violence reported in Mangu within the past few weeks where local militia groups have sustained targeted killings within the area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, deployed at Gyambwas under Operation Enduring Peace, were mobilised at about 9:15 p.m. on May 31 following reports of sporadic shootings around Gwamajang village in Mangu LGA.
On arrival at the scene, troops discovered that armed assailants had opened fire on a group of women who were processing harvested groundnuts in the community.
The attack resulted in the death of six persons, while an unspecified number of others sustained gunshot wounds.
The casualties were evacuated to a hospital for treatment, while troops immediately launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
In a related incident about 45 minutes later, troops responded to another distress call from Tukur village in Kinat community under Mangu Halle District.
Security sources said the attackers had already killed three persons before fleeing upon sighting advancing troops.
The troops subsequently established blocking positions towards Aloghom and launched offensive operations across the general area in an effort to intercept and apprehend the fleeing assailants.
The attacks came amid growing concerns over retaliatory attacks following a series of attacks on herders, livestock losses and alleged attacks by militia elements across Mangu Local Government Area in recent weeks.
Security sources noted that earlier on May 31, suspected local militia elements reportedly attacked livestock at Kikyua 2 community in Mangu. The incident resulted in the death of three cows and injuries to three others.
A resident identified as Muhammad Saidu also sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and was evacuated to Aluma Clinic for treatment.
Military sources said troops responded swiftly to the distress call and secured the area before launching efforts to track down the attackers.
The incident was described by security officials as part of a wave of attacks targeting herders and their livestock in parts of Mangu. Such incidents often trigger retaliatory attacks on innocent lives capable of escalating communal tensions.
Over the past several weeks, security officials in Plateau state have documented a series of incidents affecting herders and livestock owners in the local government area.
On May 12, troops of Sector 8 recovered 13 sheep at Sabon Gari village after discovering the animals grazing without a herder.
Security sources said concerns were raised over the whereabouts of the owner, with suspicions that he may have been attacked and killed.
A week later, on May 19, troops recovered 34 cattle in Mbor village after receiving reports of livestock grazing unattended on cultivated farmland. Sources said the disappearance of the herder managing the animals generated fears that he may have been attacked or killed during a dispute.
Troops moved the livestock to a secure location and commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the herder's disappearance.
On May 21, troops on patrol at Mwansat community recovered 39 cattle allegedly roaming unattended following reports that the owner may have been killed by Militia operating in the area.
Also on May 21, troops foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching along Jwak village after suspected criminals attacked a motorcyclist identified as Shuaibu Ayuba.
The victim was rescued and evacuated for medical treatment while the assailants fled into nearby bushes.
The following day, May 22, troops responded to another violent incident near a dam in Gindiri area where a civilian security guard, Saidu Mohammed, was found dead with machete wounds. The deceased was subsequently handed over to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Security agencies said investigations pointed to possible involvement of Mangu militia elements operating within the area.
On May 26, troops intercepted 12 cattle grazing in a restricted area at Komtul village and relocated the animals to a secure location in line with existing regulations. Military authorities subsequently contacted traditional representatives to identify the owner and prevent possible disputes.
Security sources have linked the succession of attacks, livestock losses, disappearances of herders and alleged cattle rustling activities to the deteriorating security environment in parts of Mangu.
According to sources, the sequence of incidents depicts growing tensions between communities and draws attention to the need for sustained security intervention to prevent further reprisals.
Security forces have continued to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence-driven operations across vulnerable communities in the local government area.
Sources said security forces remained on the trail of those responsible for the latest attacks, while efforts were ongoing to prevent further violence and restore normalcy across affected communities.
