At least fifteen suspected Fulani herders were killed in a recent attack in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), a militia invaded their communities during the weekend and killed their people.
The Fulani herders’ association alleged also that the attack was carried out by Operation Rainbow, a state security outfit.
Speaking on the incident, Plateau State chairman of the group, Nuru Abdullahi, told journalists yesterday in Jos, the state capital that at least 78 houses belonging to their members were burnt by the armed group.
It said at least 2,000 cattle belonging to its members were still missing after the invasion.
“On the invasion of Fulani communities in villages of Mangu, we have recovered 15 bodies killed on Friday. About 78 houses were burnt down. Cattle numbering 2,000 are still missing. This unfortunate thing is moving its head quickly into other LGAs of the state to annihilate Fulani completely in the state,” Abdullahi told Daily Trust.
He further alleged a fresh plan to attack their communities by suspected militias.
“There is an intelligence report that there are trained militias recruited and brought to fight and chase all Fulani out of Plateau State in the name of crisis. Therefore, at this point, we are still calling on the federal government to as a matter of urgency put a stop to what is happening in Mangu LGA.
“They should take immediate action before things go out of hand. We are soliciting the FG to take necessary action so that things will not go out of hand. We will not continue watching people killing us and destroying our properties,” the MACBAN chairman said.
OsunDailyNG understands that a there have been a series of attacks in Mangu and other communities of the state recently.
Not fewer than 200 people have been confirmed killed, including women and children in the last few months. In a bid to contain the situation earlier, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu LGA.
In a statement made available to newsmen, the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said the governor imposed the curfew following his consultation with the State Security Council.
The statement said movements within the local government have been banned until further notice except for security personnel and persons on essential duties, adding that security agencies have been directed to ensure total enforcement of the curfew.
The governor assured that his government was working round-the-clock to restore peace and security in the state.
However, as of reporting time, the state police command is yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack claimed by MACBAN, OsunDailyNG reports.
