No fewer than 15 farmers, including women and children, were k!lled when assailants attacked seven villages in the Chakfem district of Mangu Local Government Area on Monday night, August 18.
The affected villages—Manden, Jibin, Tim, Jiblang, Koppang, Mihdihin, and Jilem—saw widespread destruction as attackers burned houses, looted livestock, and left many residents injured.
The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Mr. Bulus Dabit, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust on Wednesday, August 20, noting that the delay in reporting was due to the inaccessibility of the remote villages.
“The attack occurred between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. when many residents were already in bed. The assailants burned several houses, including the traditional ruler’s residence and his official vehicle. Those who couldn’t escape were killed,” Dabit recounted.
Injured survivors are receiving treatment at COCIN Hospital in Mwar-Chakfem. The difficult terrain and remote location of the villages hindered timely intervention by security forces, who could only reach the area on Tuesday, after the attackers had fled.
Dabit explained, “Chakfem district shares boundaries with Quanpan LGA and parts of Nasarawa State, providing entry points for attackers.
The terrain made it impossible for security to arrive in time.”Dabit alleged that members of the Fulani community orchestrated the attack, claiming they used four strategic routes to invade Mwaghavul land.
“This was a coordinated effort to reach the heart of Mangu. The attackers have tried before but succeeded this time due to their large numbers,” he said, accusing them of targeting smaller communities as gateways to larger ones.
Survivors shared harrowing accounts of the attack. His Royal Highness, Da Raymond Yombish, recounted, “I narrowly escaped, but my official Jeep was burned by the attackers. Their numbers were overwhelming, and it was a devastating experience.”
Another survivor, Sohotden Emmanuel, described hiding in a nearby farm: “They attacked by surprise, and we were helpless. I urge the government to empower our community to defend itself.”
Dabit called on the federal government to act urgently to prevent what he described as the “total annihilation” of vulnerable communities. “These attacks are not normal. Their frequency suggests a deliberate intent, and the government must protect us,” he urged.
The State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, denied the allegations, stating, “We condemn the attack and sympathize with the victims, but we know nothing about it. We urge security agencies to investigate thoroughly.”
The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with calls for increased security and community empowerment to prevent further violence. Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the investigation.
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