Mhwaghavul Youths Killed Harder while another  Injured in Fresh Violence in Plateau Community

By: Zagazola Makama 

One herder was killed and another sustained gunshot injuries following a violent incident around the boundary between Sabon Gari and Mangu Halle communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) responded to a distress call at about 12:45 a.m. on June 15 following reports of an attack in the area.

According to the sources, troops arrived at the scene and discovered the corpse of a herder identified as Ibrahim Bappa, while another herder, Anas Saidu, was found with gunshot wounds.

The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention.

Preliminary findings indicated that the victims were grazing livestock in the area when they allegedly came under attack by some youths from the Mwaghavul ethnic group.

However, security sources said subsequent investigations revealed a counterclaim by members of the community alleging that separate herders had earlier attacked and injured two Mwaghavul youths identified as Adam Dauda and Gabriel Pusaya.

The alleged attack on the youths was said to have triggered a reprisal by other members of the community, resulting in the death of one herder and injuries to another.

The deceased was later evacuated to the Central Mosque in Mangu where funeral prayers was carried out  accordance with Islamic rites.

Security authorities said a joint investigation involving relevant agencies and community stakeholders had commenced to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

The latest incident spotlights the fragile security situation in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, where tensions between farming and herding communities have periodically resulted in violent confrontations.

Security agencies have appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid reprisals and cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could assist in uncovering the facts surrounding the incident.

They also assured members of the public that adequate security measures had been put in place to prevent further escalation and maintain peace in the affected communities.