Over 300 displaced, 30 houses razed as gunmen attack Plateau communities

Over 300 persons have been displaced and 30 houses destroyed in a series of attacks by gunmen on communities in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. Our correspondent reports that although no lives were lost, the attacks caused significant damage to farmlands, with several farm barns also destroyed. The spokesman of the […]

Over 300 persons have been displaced and 30 houses destroyed in a series of attacks by gunmen on communities in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

Our correspondent reports that although no lives were lost, the attacks caused significant damage to farmlands, with several farm barns also destroyed.

The spokesman of the Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the incidents occurred in late August.

Sylvanus listed the affected communities as Nteng, Doop, Zhep Morop, Gyeergu, Kelaghan, Loon, Kwakii, and Gorom in Doemak District.

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He said the LG chairman, Christopher Manship, had convened a stakeholders’ meeting with the affected communities and urged security agencies to remain vigilant and proactive.

He said, “The Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, Christopher Manship, lamented the attacks and urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development associations to join hands with him in working towards a lasting solution.

“The chairman has mobilized security agencies to the affected areas to ensure the situation is brought under control. We are working tirelessly to restore peace and normalcy.”

Daily Trust gathered that security personnel have since been deployed to the affected communities to restore law and order.

However, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to inquiries as of press time.

The latest attacks came six days after four herders were killed and one other was injured in Fili village, Doemak District, also in Qua’an Pan LGA.

Herders in the area told Daily Trust that the incident occurred while the victims were grazing cattle.

Saeedu Abdurrahman, Treasurer of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Qua’an Pan, confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos last Thursday.

He explained that the attackers ambushed the herders and fled without rustling any cattle.

He added that while the victims were being buried, the gunmen returned and attacked the mourners, who were later rescued by security personnel escorting the bodies to the cemetery.

 

Herder, 25 cattle killed

Earlier on Tuesday, gunmen also attacked grazing animals in two communities in the Fan District of Barikin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one herder and 25 cattle.

The state Chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos on Tuesday.

According to him, the attackers stormed the grazing area and opened fire on the animals.

He added that one herder went missing during the attack and was later found dead near the scene. The assailants struck in two separate incidents, he said.

“The first occurred on Sunday in Lairi village, while the second took place on Tuesday in Katang – both in the Fan District of Barikin Ladi,” Babayo explained.

“The attackers stormed the scene while the animals were grazing, opened fire, and forced the herders to flee, abandoning their cattle,” he added.

Babayo further disclosed that he had notified security agencies, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, the State Commissioner of Police, and the Operation Enduring Peace Sector Commander in Barikin Ladi, who had visited the scene.

Describing the attacks as devastating, Babayo accused members of the Berom ethnic group of carrying them out.

However, Solomon Dalyop, President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), denied the allegation.

He said, “The Berom Youth Moulders Association is unaware of any killing of cattle in the Fan axis. Berom people are peace-loving inhabitants who have vowed not to engage in such ignoble acts. Security agencies must urgently address the imminent threat of armed Fulani invaders, who often frame false allegations against our people whenever they plan to unleash mayhem.”

The spokesperson of the Joint Task Force – Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Zhakom, did not respond to inquiries from our correspondent.

Lieutenant Yahaya Kiga, the Second-in-Command (2IC) of the Area Command, who attended the funeral of the deceased herder on behalf of the Sector 4 Commander in Barikin Ladi, condoled with the community and urged them not to resort to self-help.

“From the GOC down to us, we are deeply concerned about these incidents. Since the attacks began five days ago, we have been working tirelessly to recover stolen cattle and hold peace meetings. We are here for everyone, not just Fulani or Berom. Please remain calm; the perpetrators will not escape justice,” Kefas said.

While calling on security agencies to trail the perpetrators, Babayo urged MACBAN members to remain calm and allow the authorities to investigate.