Fear and grief have gripped the Mwar community in Chakfem chiefdom, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a violent incursion by armed attackers that left at least three people dead and five others injured in the early hours of Sunday. The unexpected raid, which occurred at about 3:00 a.m., has once again drawn attention to the growing insecurity affecting rural communities across the state.
The incident was confirmed by the National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Bulus Dabit, who described the attack as an outright act of criminality. According to him, the assailants stormed the quiet farming and livestock-rearing settlement under the cover of darkness, firing shots and creating panic among residents who had been asleep in their homes.
He explained that Chakfem is known for its difficult terrain, with limited access routes and challenging road conditions, which had previously made it less vulnerable to external threats. However, the attackers reportedly gained entry into the community through a route located along the border between Mangu Local Government Area and the neighbouring Qua’an Pan Local Government Area. This, he noted, suggests that the perpetrators may have been familiar with the environment before launching the attack.
In addition to the loss of human lives, the attackers made away with more than 40 cattle belonging to members of the community. For the affected families, the stolen livestock represents far more than just property. In rural Plateau communities like Mwar, cattle are central to survival, serving as a major source of income, food, and financial security. The theft has therefore left several households facing serious economic hardship.
The injured victims were rushed to different hospitals for treatment shortly after the incident. Community members, with the assistance of local leaders, mobilized to provide support, ensure that the wounded received urgent medical attention, and prevent the situation from escalating further. Although details about the current conditions of the injured were not disclosed, they were confirmed to be receiving care at various health facilities in the area.
Dabit strongly condemned the attack, stating that such acts of violence must not be tolerated under any circumstances. He called on the Plateau State Government and all relevant security agencies to urgently reinforce security around the affected areas. According to him, increased patrols, better surveillance, and the establishment of more security checkpoints along vulnerable routes are necessary to stop future attacks and restore confidence among residents.
He further appealed to people of the community to remain calm despite the pain and anger caused by the incident. He warned against taking the law into their own hands, noting that retaliation would only lead to more bloodshed and deepen the cycle of violence that has already claimed too many lives.
“This is a time for restraint and unity,” he stressed, while urging community members to work together with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid investigations.
The latest attack in Mwar is part of a wider pattern of insecurity that has plagued parts of Plateau State for several years. Though there have been periods of relative peace, sporadic incidents involving armed attacks, cattle rustling, and communal tensions continue to threaten the safety of rural dwellers, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Many residents now live in constant fear and have called on the government for a lasting solution to the problem.
In the aftermath of the attack, local leaders, including traditional rulers and religious figures, have intensified efforts to maintain peace and prevent further unrest. Meetings have reportedly been held to console grieving families and to encourage cooperation among neighbouring communities.
As at the time of this report, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and investigations are expected to continue. Security operatives are also anticipated to visit the area to assess the situation, gather more information, and track down the perpetrators.
Source:Africa Publicity
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