Three Killed as Herders Clash with Youths in Plateau Community

Three people have been killed following a clash between herders and Mwaghavul youths, in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu LGA of Plateau state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, reported that the victims comprised one member of the community and two herders.

Makama reported that another member of the village sustained injuries during the clash.

The publication said the incident occurred at about 7:35am on August 12 following an earlier confrontation between youths from the two communities.

The publication said troops intervened in the violent clash.

“The troops responded to reports of sustained gunfire at the location and swiftly moved in to contain the situation,” Makama reported.

“According to the source, the troops deployed superior firepower, forcing both sides to withdraw from the area.

“The troops subsequently conducted clearance operations, supported by drone surveillance, which confirmed that the area was clear of the combatants.

“The clash resulted in the deaths of three persons, comprising one member of the local community and two Fulani herders.

“One other person from the local community also sustained injuries.”

Makama reported that following the intervention, normalcy was restored in the community, while troops continued to dominate the area to prevent further violence and deter any attempt by the parties to regroup.

The publication said security forces had also maintained vigilance around the affected communities as efforts continued to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced in Nigeria’s decades-old farmer-herder crisis — with the north-central region of the country the most hit.