Plateau violence: Mangu youths accuse terrorists in military uniforms of killing vigilante member

The Mwaghavul Youth Movement, MYM, has rejected reports circulated by some Fulani media groups claiming that an attack by terrorists around Aloghom and Nchiya communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday, October 12, 2026, was orchestrated by Mangu militias.

It was gathered that during the attack, terrorists dressed in military uniforms attacked security operatives, while two local vigilante members were killed.

Shortly after the incident, reports circulated on social media, allegedly pushed by the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria, GAFDAN, and some other Fulani groups, claiming that the attack was carried out by a Mwaghavul militia group.

However, in a statement jointly signed on Wednesday by the MYM President, Comr. Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, and the Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Joël Sunday, the organisation rejected the reports, describing them as an attempt to portray Mwaghavul youths as aggressors while ignoring the alleged involvement of Fulani terrorists.

The group said the haste with which GAFDAN and Fulani media teams circulated the narratives was highly suspicious.

“The Mwaghavul Youth Movement expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the violent attacks recorded around Aloghom and Nchiya communities in Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State,” the MYM said.

The organisation added: “It has been established that on Monday, October 12, 2026, Fulani elements attacked security operatives around Aloghom community after their cattle were driven into farmlands and destroyed crops belonging to local farmers. During the attack, a security operative sustained a gunshot injury in the line of duty.

“In a separate and more grievous development, it has been established that on the night of Monday, October 12, armed Fulani elements invaded Nchiya community. During the invasion, sporadic gunshots were fired, while two young men stationed at a local vigilante point were attacked with gunshots and machetes.

“Tragically, the attack led to the untimely death of Mr Dauda Shamaki, aged 65, one of the two men keeping vigil. The second vigilante member narrowly escaped.

“It was observed during the attack that two of the attackers were dressed in military uniforms. While there is no concrete evidence yet that the military, as an institution, provided cover for the attackers, the presence of individuals in military uniforms among the attackers is highly suspicious and must be thoroughly investigated.

“These are not allegations. These are established facts on the ground, and they represent a dangerous pattern of impunity and abuse of power by criminal elements impersonating or conniving with security personnel paid with taxpayers’ money to protect citizens.

“The Mwaghavul Youth Movement considers these actions criminal, provocative and a direct threat to peace in our land.

“We call on the appropriate military high command, the Plateau State Government and all relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the involvement of persons in military uniforms in the Nchiya attack and bring all perpetrators to justice.

“Criminality must never be covered with uniform or excused under the guise of occupation. No individual or institution is above the law.

“While the Movement condemns the attacks carried out by these criminal elements, we maintain that law-abiding Fulani residents must not be subjected to collective blame because of the continued conspiracy of silence.

“Criminals among them must be identified, isolated and punished in accordance with the law.

“We call on the public, community leaders and the media to report accurately and avoid narratives that seek to conceal these crimes or distort the facts.

“Mwaghavul people deserve security, justice and the freedom to go about their lawful activities without fear of being attacked by armed herders or intimidated by persons in uniform.

“The Mwaghavul Youth Movement remains committed to peace, justice and the protection of all law-abiding residents of Mwaghavul land, Mangu and Plateau State.

“​We demand swift, decisive and impartial action by the authorities concerned,” it stated.

Plateau violence: Mangu youths accuse terrorists in military uniforms of killing vigilante member