Gunmen have killed six persons, including a woman, in separate attacks on communities in Bassa and Mangu local government areas of Plateau State. The attacks, which occurred on Monday, also left twelve others injured and receiving treatment in various hospitals.
According to sources, the first attack took place around Ancha community in Bassa LGA, while the second occurred in Gyenbwas Rinji community in Langai district of Mangu LGA.
Bassa Attack Details
Garba Abdullahi, the State Chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), confirmed that herders were declared missing around 3 am while grazing cattle, but their corpses were later discovered in Ancha community.
"The herders were grazing when perpetrators dragged them from the grazing area to Ancha and killed them," Abdullahi explained, adding that the incident has been reported to both the police and Operation Safe Haven.
These latest killings come just a day after four persons, including farmers and herders, were killed in Uwok-Ishe community of Kakkek district in Bassa while on their way to mining sites.
Mangu Violence Escalates
In Gyenbwas Rinji, two persons, including a woman, were killed and numerous houses were set ablaze when gunmen invaded the community in large numbers, shooting sporadically.
Mr. Mangs Fwangkat Isa, the acting Chairman of Mwaghavul Youth Development (MYM) for Mangu Halle District, explained that the violence in Gyenbwas Kasuwa began when herders in the area ambushed three community members on Sunday evening, killing one and injuring two.
"On Monday, the FOB command came and pleaded with us. We tried to calm the situation because the youths were angry," Isa stated. "While trying to calm down the situation, herders came from nowhere and started shooting. Our youths responded because we couldn't just relax while the security presence was inadequate."
He further explained that youths armed with sticks and local cutlasses pursued the herders. During this confrontation, two persons were killed, and ten others sustained injuries. The injured are currently receiving medical attention at Halle and Mangu general hospitals.
The recurring violence in Plateau State continues to raise concerns about security measures in the affected communities and the effectiveness of conflict resolution mechanisms between farmers and herders in the region.
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