Several residents are feared dead after gunmen reportedly attacked settlements in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, in the latest incident to raise security concerns in the area.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community in the early hours of Sunday, killing residents, destroying property and fleeing before security forces arrived.
According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, security authorities were alerted to the incident at about 7:45 a.m., prompting troops to move into the affected community.
A military security source said troops discovered about 45 residential shelters destroyed when they arrived at the scene. The attackers were also reportedly accused of looting valuables belonging to residents.
The source further alleged that several residents were shot and subsequently killed during the attack.
Residents flee homes
The violence reportedly triggered a mass displacement as women, children and elderly residents fled their homes in search of safety.
The attackers were also alleged to have invaded farms belonging to Fulani residents, destroying large quantities of crops with cutlasses.
Following the incident, troops reportedly summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi to assist security agencies in identifying those responsible for the attack.
Fears of reprisal attacks
Security authorities are reportedly concerned that the incident could trigger another cycle of reprisal violence in the area.
Plateau State has experienced recurring communal and militia-related violence, with attacks in some communities followed by retaliatory assaults. Such incidents have previously resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement.
Zagazola Makama warned that the scale of destruction in the latest incident could further heighten tensions if those responsible are not identified and prosecuted.
The publication noted that failure to establish accountability could reinforce perceptions of impunity and increase the risk of affected communities or individuals seeking revenge.
Troops have reportedly remained in the area while engaging traditional and community leaders to calm tensions and prevent further violence.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations aimed at identifying the attackers and preventing a possible escalation of the conflict.
