Plateau Attacks: 28 Killed in Mangu Communities as Mwaghavul Group Demands Stronger Military Action

At least 28 people have been killed in separate attacks on Bin Mper and Murish communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), which has called for stronger action to protect vulnerable communities.

The association described the attacks as unprovoked aggression by armed bandits and said homes, farmlands and other property worth millions of naira were also destroyed. It called on the Federal, Plateau State and local governments to make the protection of lives and property a priority.

The MDA made the demand in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Friday Derwam, after an extraordinary meeting of its Central Working Committee at the weekend. The statement was made available to journalists in Jos on Monday.

The association said the meeting reviewed reports from its National Executive Committee, internal matters and the effect of government policies on the Mwaghavul people, with particular focus on the worsening security situation in their ancestral communities.

While mourning the victims, the MDA said it stood with the affected families. It also commended security agencies for what it described as swift interventions that helped prevent the attacks from escalating further.

The association specifically praised the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, who also serves as Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, for what it described as a rapid operational response and improved cooperation among security agencies in the affected areas.

The MDA also commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for visiting Bin Mper and responding to the crisis. It said the deployment of security personnel, promise of relief assistance and commitment to constructing access roads would help improve security response and reassure residents.

The association further praised Mwaghavul youths for remaining vigilant and resilient in protecting their communities, while urging them to operate within the law. It called for sustained military operations to dismantle bandit hideouts and stop further attacks across Plateau State.

The MDA said protecting lives and property is a core responsibility of government at every level and urged authorities to put security ahead of political and economic interests. It added that restoring safety would be essential for displaced and affected residents to return to their farms, rebuild their homes and recover their livelihoods.