At least 15 people have been killed and thousands displaced in a fresh wave of attacks by suspected gunmen on communities in the Chakfem district of Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday night between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., when the attackers invaded at least seven villages — Manden, Join, Jiblang, Koppang, Mihdihin, and Jilem — unleashing violence that left death and destruction in its wake.
Witnesses and community leaders say the attackers arrived suddenly and began shooting indiscriminately, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes and neighbouring villages for safety. By the end of the assault, 15 villagers — including women and children were confirmed dead, while over 3,000 people have reportedly fled their homes.
Several homes were set ablaze, including that of the community’s traditional ruler. His official vehicle was also destroyed during the attack. Residents say the attackers also looted animals and valuables before escaping under the cover of darkness.
According to local sources, many of those who survived the attack sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the COCIN Hospital in Mwar-Chakfem. The lack of immediate access to medical care and emergency services has worsened the situation for survivors.
“We are overwhelmed,” said one local resident who narrowly escaped the attack. “Many families are separated, and some people are still missing. We don’t know what will happen next.”
The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Mr. Bulus Dabit, confirmed the attacks and expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region. He explained that the terrain of the affected communities made it difficult for security personnel to access the area quickly.
“After the attack, we were not able to get to the villages because of the nature of the terrain,” Dabit said. “It was only on Tuesday that security personnel managed to reach the communities, but by then, the damage had already been done.”
Dabit noted that Chakfem district borders Quanpan LGA and parts of Nasarawa State, providing the attackers with multiple entry and exit points. This geographical challenge, he said, has made it easier for gunmen to strike and retreat without resistance.
“The attackers took advantage of the isolated location of these villages. The area is not easily accessible, and that gave them the freedom to do whatever they wanted,” he added.
Dabit appealed to the federal government to take urgent action to stop what he described as continuous and planned attacks on their communities. He warned that if swift and decisive steps are not taken, the people in these remote villages may face complete annihilation.
“We are calling on the government to increase the presence of security forces in the affected areas,” he said. “The attacks are becoming too frequent. This is not normal. It shows there is a plan behind these killings.”
He further lamented that the attackers have never made their motives known, nor have they made any attempt at dialogue. “They are simply destroying lives and properties without any clear reason. We fear that if this continues, our people will no longer have a place to call home,” Dabit said.
Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s North Central region, has faced waves of violence for several years, often fuelled by tensions between herders and farming communities, land disputes, and criminal gangs. The Mangu area, in particular, has witnessed repeated attacks in recent times, raising concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in the region.
Human rights organisations and community leaders have continuously called for improved intelligence gathering, faster emergency response, and long-term peacebuilding efforts. However, with each new attack, hope among residents continues to fade.
Many villagers are currently living in temporary camps or with relatives in safer parts of the state. They are calling on the government and humanitarian organisations for food, shelter, and medical support.
As Plateau State mourns yet another round of killings, the cry from residents remains the same: “Enough is enough.”
