Plateau Attack: Residents feared killed as 45 homes, farms destroyed

Several residents of settlements in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, are feared dead following a violent attack allegedly carried out by a militia group, raising fresh concerns over a possible cycle of reprisals in the troubled area.

The attack, reportedly carried out in the early hours of Sunday, also resulted in the destruction of about 45 residential shelters, the looting of valuables and extensive damage to agricultural produce belonging to residents.

Counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama reported that the incident was brought to the attention of security authorities at about 7:45 a.m., following which troops were deployed to the affected community.

A military security source quoted by the publication said troops discovered widespread destruction when they arrived at the scene.

According to the source, approximately 45 houses had been destroyed, while properties belonging to residents were reportedly looted by the attackers.

Zagazola Makama reported that several residents were allegedly shot and subsequently killed during the assault.

The violence reportedly triggered panic across the community, forcing women, children and elderly residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

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The attackers were also said to have entered farms belonging to Fulani residents, where they allegedly used cutlasses to destroy large quantities of crops.

The destruction of agricultural produce has added an economic dimension to the attack, potentially worsening food insecurity and livelihoods in an area where many residents depend heavily on farming.

Following the attack, troops reportedly summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi, directing community leaders to cooperate with security agencies in identifying and producing those suspected to be responsible.

The move is aimed at establishing accountability while preventing the incident from developing into another cycle of retaliatory violence.

Security sources said troops have continued to maintain a presence in the area while engaging traditional and community leaders in an effort to calm tensions.

The latest incident has heightened concerns because of Plateau State’s history of communal violence and tit-for-tat attacks, in which violence against one community is sometimes followed by retaliation against another.

Zagazola Makama warned that the destruction of homes and crops could become a catalyst for revenge if victims and their associates conclude that the perpetrators will not be arrested or prosecuted.

The publication noted that failure to establish accountability could reinforce perceptions of impunity and encourage affected communities to pursue their own form of justice.

“Plateau has experienced several episodes of this nature, with targeted attacks and reprisals often spreading beyond the location where the initial incident occurred,” the publication said.

It warned that the latest violence could be interpreted within the context of previous attacks rather than treated as an isolated criminal incident.

The response by security agencies could prove crucial in determining whether the incident remains contained or develops into wider communal violence.

Beyond identifying the attackers, security authorities face the challenge of protecting displaced residents, securing farms and homes, preventing further attacks and ensuring that suspects are subjected to due process.

Community and traditional leaders are also expected to play a key role in discouraging retaliation and encouraging residents to provide credible information to investigators.

For now, troops remain deployed around the affected area as security agencies work with local leaders to restore calm, prevent reprisals and establish accountability.

The incident nevertheless underscores the persistent security challenges confronting communities in parts of Plateau, where unresolved attacks, displacement, destruction of livelihoods and fears of retaliation continue to threaten fragile peace.