Violence continues to escalate in Nigeria’s Plateau State, where armed assailants, some reportedly wearing military uniforms, have carried out a string of deadly attacks against local communities. On October 12, a 65-year-old village security guard was killed in the Nchiya community, sparking renewed demands for accountability and security reforms.
Attackers in Military Uniforms Kill Village Security Guard
On the night of Monday, October 12, armed Fulani attackers invaded the Nchiya community in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA). Two men manning a local vigilance point were attacked with gunfire and machetes. The assailants killed Dauda Shamaki, aged 65, while the other man escaped. Notably, two of the attackers were reported to be wearing military uniforms, raising suspicions about possible collusion or impersonation.
This incident was documented by the Mwaghavul Youth Movement (MYM), whose Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Joël Sunday, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the involvement of individuals in military attire. While there is no concrete evidence implicating the military institution itself, the presence of such uniforms among attackers demands scrutiny.
Series of Attacks Across Plateau State
The killing of Shamaki is part of a broader pattern of violence that has afflicted Plateau State since early October. Between October 2 and 13, multiple attacks were reported in various LGAs including Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu, all located roughly 30 to 40 miles south of Jos, the state capital.
- October 2: Two individuals killed in Jenta community, Jos South LGA.
- October 4: Two people killed in Matan Kubet, Bokkos LGA; same night, two Christians killed and three injured in Mangor village.
- October 7: Bulus Chun Pam of Gwom Ajang, Foron District, was injured and later died at Jos University Teaching Hospital.
- October 8: A police officer was ambushed and killed along Kwi-Beco road in Heipang District.
- October 9: John Mafulul (53) and Ezekiel Yohanna (50) were killed at a mining site in Gashish District.
- October 11: Two people killed in Mai Katako area, Bokkos LGA.
- October 13: James Joro Dung (48) killed in Tafan, Barkin Ladi LGA; Mishkaham Yohanna Jatau Samkwar, a traditional Mwaghavul leader, was shot and later died.
Additionally, in Riyom LGA, 42-year-old David Danjuma was killed and 114 cattle were rustled between October 6 and 12.
Community Leaders Demand Accountability
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement and other local organizations have called on the Plateau State Government, military high command, and security agencies to investigate these attacks and bring perpetrators to justice. The MYM also criticized the silence and perceived complicity of some Fulani residents, urging collective responsibility.
Bulus Dabit, national president of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), linked recent killings to ongoing kidnappings, noting that the violence persists despite government-imposed curfews and restrictions.
Curfew and Security Measures Under Scrutiny
In response to escalating violence, the Plateau State Government imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on September 21 in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs, also banning motorcycles in these areas. However, attacks have continued during curfew hours. For instance, on the night following the curfew’s implementation, three vigilantes were killed on the Kyikyau–Gyambwas boundary in Mangu Halle District.
MYM representatives questioned the effectiveness of the curfew, asking, “Who is the curfew ultimately protecting?” Meanwhile, Operation Enduring Peace, a security initiative in the region, declined to comment on these incidents.
Widespread Destruction of Churches and Loss of Lives
The violence extends beyond killings to the destruction of religious institutions. Since 2023, 76 churches and worship centers have been destroyed in Mangu LGA alone, with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) losing 57 buildings. Other denominations affected include Baptist, Catholic, Anglican, ECWA, Deeper Life, Living Faith, Assembly of God, and independent congregations. Ten of these structures were still under construction when destroyed.
According to the MDA, more than 750 members of Mwaghavul communities have been killed in recurring violence since 2023, underscoring the severity and persistence of the conflict.
Lack of Official Response and Unresolved Cases
Despite public calls for investigations, there has been no official response from the military, police, or Plateau State Government regarding the involvement of attackers in military uniforms. No arrests have been reported in connection with the killings of Dauda Shamaki, the miners in Kazok, the police officer on Kwi-Beco road, or the traditional leader Mishkaham Yohanna Jatau Samkwar.
Conclusion: Ongoing Violence Demands Urgent Action
The recent spate of attacks in Plateau State, marked by the killing of civilians and security personnel, destruction of religious sites, and the troubling presence of assailants in military attire, highlights a deepening security crisis. Community leaders and youth movements are pressing for thorough investigations and stronger protective measures. Without decisive action from Nigerian security agencies and government authorities, the cycle of violence and mistrust is likely to continue, further destabilizing the region.
Source: Read the original reporting.
