Several residents of settlements in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, were reportedly killed after suspected militia members attacked the area in the early hours of Sunday. The assault also left about 45 houses destroyed, while residents’ valuables were looted and large quantities of crops were damaged.

According to a security source cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the attack was reported at about 7:45 a.m., after which troops were deployed to the community. The source said soldiers found about 45 houses destroyed when they arrived, while the attackers had already fled after looting property.

Several residents were reportedly shot during the attack, with some allegedly slaughtered. The violence triggered panic and displacement as women, children and elderly residents fled their homes. The assailants were also accused of entering farms belonging to Fulani residents and destroying large quantities of crops with cutlasses.

Following the incident, troops summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi and directed them to cooperate with security agencies in identifying those responsible. Authorities are also seeking to prevent the destruction from triggering reprisal attacks, as troops continue to dominate the area and engage community and traditional leaders to restore calm.