The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, addressed the press in Abuja on Thursday, shedding light on the crisis engulfing the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
General Buba pointed to herder militia, attempted cattle rustling, and a combination of other factors as the root causes of the unrest.
“The situation was triggered by a number of factors, including the attempted cattle rustling and the killing of a Mangu man by herder militia,” General Buba stated during the news conference. He explained that the incident occurred when a man on a motorcycle collided with a herd of cattle crossing the road on January 22, 2024, resulting in the immediate killing of the rider. Subsequently, the militia mobilized and launched an attack on residents in the early hours of January 23.
In response to the crisis, special forces have been deployed to hot spots in the state to contain the situation, according to General Buba.
The Defence Headquarters plans to meet with Revd Timothy Daluk, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Mangu Local Government, over his recent comments accusing the military of supervising the killings of Christians and property destruction in the state.
The recent attack in Kwahaslalek village, within the Mangu Local Government Area, resulted in the death of over 30 individuals, numerous injuries, and the burning of houses. In response, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a curfew on the LGA.
The President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Joseph Gwankat, reported that the attack occurred during the night when residents gathered to observe the imposed curfew. Two other communities, Kinat and Mairana, located on the borders of Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas, were also attacked on the same night.
Plateau State has been facing severe challenges from violent attacks, with over 200 killed during Christmas Eve attacks in the Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas. The attacks led to widespread destruction of houses and farmlands, leaving scores injured.
The coordinated killings prompted local and international outrage, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang criticizing the military for a tardy response and describing the incidents as carnage. Over 50 villages were reportedly affected by the attacks, prompting the United Nations to urge the Federal Government to conduct a thorough probe into the incidents.