DOZENS of residents of settlements in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, have been feared killed following an attack by a rampaging militia.
News Point Nigeria gathered from a military source that about 45 residential shelters and huge quantities of crops were also destroyed during the attack.
The source said the incident was reported at about 7:45am on Sunday, prompting troops to move to the affected community.
The source confirmed that upon arrival, the troops discovered that about 45 houses had been destroyed, while valuables belonging to residents were looted by the assailants.
“In the early hours of the attack, several residents were gunned down by the attackers before slaughtering them,” Makama said.
“The attack immediately triggered mass displacement, with women, children and the elderly running for safety.
“The assailants also reportedly entered farms belonging to Fulani residents and used cutlasses to destroy a large quantity of crops.
“Following the incident, troops summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi community, directing the community leadership to assist security agencies in identifying and producing those responsible for the attack.
“The development is particularly sensitive because the conflict in parts of Plateau has frequently been characterised by tit-for-tat attacks, in which an attack on one community is followed by retaliation against another community, often resulting in further deaths, destruction of property and displacement.”
The source said the destruction of the shelters and crops could become a trigger for revenge if affected residents or their associates believe that the perpetrators have not been identified or brought to justice.
The publication noted that failure to establish accountability could deepen perceptions of impunity and increase the temptation for affected communities to seek 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,” Makama said.
“The danger is that the latest incident could similarly be interpreted through the lens of previous attacks rather than as an isolated criminal act.
“The intervention was aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing possible reprisal attacks capable of escalating tensions between communities in the area.
“Troops have continued to dominate the general area while engaging community and traditional leaders as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions, prevent retaliatory violence and restore calm.”
News Point Nigeria contacted Alfred Alabo, spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, over the incident, but he had yet to respond as of press time.