Mangu Attacks: Death toll hits 28, MDA demands sustained military action

JOS — The Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) has condemned recent attacks on communities in Mwaghavul land, saying 28 people were killed in separate attacks on Bin Mper and Murish communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The association also called on the Federal, Plateau State and local governments to prioritise the protection of lives and property, stressing that sustained and decisive military action was needed to end attacks on vulnerable communities.

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

The meeting, according to the association, considered reports from its National Executive Committee, internal constitutional matters and the impact of government policies on the Mwaghavul people, with particular attention to the deteriorating security situation in their ancestral communities.

The association described the attacks as “unprovoked acts of aggression” by armed bandits, saying they resulted in the loss of 28 lives across Bin Mper and Murish, as well as the destruction of homes, farmlands and property worth millions of naira.

“MDA mourns this devastating loss and stands in complete solidarity with the affected families,” the statement said.

However, the association commended security agencies for what it described as proactive measures and rapid interventions that helped prevent further escalation of the attacks.

It particularly praised the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, Nigerian Army, who is also the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, for what it described as a swift operational response and improved inter-agency collaboration in the affected areas.

The MDA also commended Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for his response to the attacks, particularly his visit to Bin Mper community.

According to the association, the governor’s visit, deployment of security personnel, pledge of relief assistance and commitment to constructing access roads to facilitate rapid security response had provided reassurance to residents.

The MDA further praised Mwaghavul youths for their resilience, courage and vigilance in protecting their communities, urging them to continue operating within lawful limits.

“The CWC assures our brave youth of the Association’s unwavering support, ongoing prayers and continuous backing as they stand firm in safeguarding our communities,” it stated.

On the broader security situation, the association said the protection of lives and property remained the fundamental responsibility of government at all levels.

It therefore called for sustained military operations to secure vulnerable communities, dismantle bandit hideouts and end what it described as the cycle of violence across Plateau State and Nigeria.

The association urged governments at the local, state and federal levels to place national security above political and economic considerations.

The MDA said the safety of communities must remain a priority if residents were to return to their farms and rebuild homes and livelihoods destroyed by the attacks.