Several residents are feared dead after gunmen reportedly attacked settlements in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, prompting troops to move into the affected community after the incident was reported at about 7:45am.
A military source reportedly told the publication that troops found about 45 residential shelters destroyed, while valuables belonging to residents had also been looted.
Several residents were reportedly shot and killed during the attack, while the violence triggered a mass displacement as women, children and elderly residents fled the area for safety.
The attackers also reportedly entered farms belonging to Fulani residents and destroyed large quantities of crops with cutlasses.
Following the incident, troops summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi community and directed them to assist security agencies in identifying those responsible.
The attack has raised concerns over the possibility of retaliatory violence in an area that has experienced repeated cycles of attacks and reprisals between communities.
Zagazola Makama warned that the destruction of homes and crops could fuel further tension if those responsible are not identified and brought to justice.
The publication noted that previous incidents in Plateau have sometimes triggered revenge attacks, resulting in additional deaths, property destruction and displacement.
Security forces are reportedly maintaining a presence in the area while engaging community and traditional leaders to prevent reprisal attacks, reduce tensions and restore calm.
TheCable said it contacted Alfred Alabo, spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, for confirmation, but no response had been received as of press time.
Source: Zagazola Makama
