96 Houses Burnt, 3 Killed in Fresh Attack on Plateau Community

Rising Violence in Plateau State Raises Fresh Concerns

At least 96 houses have been set ablaze in the Gyenbwas community, Langai District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, following a violent attack by suspected armed groups.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the attackers also looted food items, mattresses, livestock, and other valuables during the incident, which occurred on Monday.

Confirming the development, the traditional ruler of the area, Alhaji Yakubu Umar, who is the Madugun Langai, disclosed that three people have been confirmed dead following the attack. According to him, two bodies were initially recovered on Monday, while another was found on Tuesday, bringing the total death toll to three.

Community Leaders Lament Destruction

Speaking to journalists in Jos on Tuesday, Alhaji Umar described the attack as the worst his community has ever witnessed. He lamented that the perpetrators not only razed homes but also targeted means of livelihood, including essential farming equipment and clothing.

“They burned working equipment, clothes, foodstuffs, and other items,” he said. “They also looted goods worth millions of naira. We have always lived peacefully with everyone, and that is why we are surprised by this act of wickedness.”

The traditional ruler further appealed to the government to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. He also called on the Plateau State Government to provide immediate relief materials to the displaced residents who have lost their properties and means of livelihood.

Allegations of Ethnic Tensions

Amidst the rising tension, members of the affected community have accused the Berom ethnic group of masterminding the attack. However, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has strongly denied the allegation, describing it as false and misleading.

Speaking on behalf of the association, BYM President Dalyop Solomon explained that their own members have also been victims of attacks in the area.

“Yesterday, three of our members who were on their farms around the area were attacked by terrorists and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital,” Solomon stated.

He insisted that Fulani elements were attempting to justify attacks on Berom communities, adding that their people only resorted to self-defence in some instances.

“We have never committed any attack against any Fulani,” he said.

Silence from Security Agencies

Efforts to get an official response from security operatives were unsuccessful. The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, did not respond to multiple inquiries from journalists at the time of filing this report.

Security agencies have maintained a strong presence across several parts of Plateau State in recent weeks following recurring attacks by suspected armed groups. However, locals continue to complain of inadequate protection and delayed responses to distress calls.

Growing Violence Across Plateau State

Plateau State has witnessed repeated outbreaks of violence in recent months, particularly in Riyom and Mangu Local Government Areas. Reports indicate that within the last six weeks alone, no fewer than 58 people have been killed, 31 injured, and more than 15,000 displaced as a result of these ongoing violent attacks.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that in another operation unrelated to the Gyenbwas incident, troops of Operation Safe Haven ambushed and killed three suspected bandits in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, recovering rifles, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons.

Despite these efforts, local leaders have decried what they describe as a worsening security situation.

Youths Demand Urgent Action

The Plateau Youth Council (PYC) has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence across the state. Speaking during a press conference in Jos on Tuesday, PYC Chairman, Zang Davou, described the attacks as systematic and coordinated, aimed at destabilizing communities and displacing indigenous people.

“We lament the brutal murder of 58 innocent persons, injuries sustained by 31 others, the destruction of 82 houses, and the displacement of over 15,000 residents in just a few weeks,” Davou stated.

The PYC called on both the Plateau State Government and the Federal Government to take urgent steps to protect vulnerable communities, including the deployment of more security forces and provision of humanitarian assistance to victims.

The rising wave of violence in Plateau State has reignited national debates over security failures, inter-communal tensions, and the increasing number of internally displaced persons across Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

Recent Security Operations

Security forces have intensified operations in Plateau and neighboring states in response to the surge in attacks. While some arrests and neutralization of armed groups have been recorded, the affected communities say much more needs to be done to restore lasting peace.

Authorities have yet to officially announce any arrests linked to the Gyenbwas attack as of the time of this report.