Gunmen kill four, including a beheaded man, in Plateau attacks

Gunmen have killed four people, including a 55-year-old man who was beheaded, in new attacks on four communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attacks happened over three days. Another man was also seriously injured, according to the Mwaghavul Youth Movement.

In a statement released on Sunday, Tubwot Joël, the Director of Public Affairs for the Mwaghavul Development Association, spoke for President Comrade Kyesmang Jonathan Yusuf. The group confirmed the killings and called the attacks "another painful reminder that armed attackers continue to find opportunities to inflict violence on Mwaghavul communities."

The latest incident took place in Kinat on the night of September 12, 2026. "We are deeply outraged by the fresh attack on Kinat, Mangu Local Government Area, where Mr. Katbam Titus, aged 29, was killed by armed Fulanis during the night of 12th September 2026," the statement said.

The group mentioned that this killing happened just hours after the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army visited Mangu. He had a security meeting with Mwaghavul and Fulani leaders, urging both communities to resolve their issues.

The GOC reportedly gave "a clear assurance that he would not watch any group attack another, promising that the Army would clamp down on any group responsible for further attacks." But, before the dust could settle from that meeting, Kinat was attacked and young Mwaghavul man, Katbam Titus, was killed. This cannot simply be ignored.

The group linked the Kinat attack to three other incidents that took place in the days before. They said, "In Kikyau, Mangu Halle District, Mr. Geoffrey Gumut, aged 55, was beheaded on Friday, 11th of the same month by armed Fulanis. As of the time of this statement, his head hasn’t been recovered, adding an exceptionally horrific dimension to the tragedy."

They also noted, "In Larkas, Panyam District, Mr. Danjuma Kyesle, aged 45, was reportedly attacked and macheted and remains in medical care. The circumstances surrounding the Larkas incident are particularly disturbing because security personnel were reportedly stationed within the community at the time of the attack."

The group further stated, "In Ntul of Mangu District of Mangu Local Government, Mr. Pius Dachen, aged 50, and Mr. Zadok Irmiya, aged 25, were also gruesomely murdered by the same elements yesterday."

Summarizing the incidents, the group said, "Four incidents. Four communities. Multiple victims." They questioned the security authorities about the repeated attacks, asking, "How many more attacks must occur before those responsible are decisively dealt with?"

They accused armed groups of trying to undermine peace efforts and keeping communities in constant fear. Whenever a dialogue was started and promises were made, another attack would happen, making it seem like the attackers could operate without facing real consequences.

The group reminded the GOC of his promise during his meeting in Mangu, quoting him as saying, "I will not watch any group attack another. The Army would clamp down on those responsible for further attacks." They stated that the Kinat attack now gives the GOC a chance to show he will keep this promise.

They called on the GOC and security agencies to ensure the Kikyau, Larkas, Ntul, and Kinat incidents receive thorough, independent, and transparent investigations. They want the culprits identified, arrested, and prosecuted according to the law.

They also demanded answers about the Larkas attack, especially since security personnel were said to be present in the community at the time of the incident. The group said if there are allegations of negligence or failure to act, those should be investigated properly.

The statement blamed "DABBA-ric Fulani elements" for the attacks and urged the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, and security agencies to boost protection for vulnerable communities, disrupt armed groups, and ensure those responsible are caught and punished.

They also called on Fulani leaders who were part of the GOC’s engagement to show their commitment to peace by helping to identify, condemn, and discourage armed elements among them.

The movement mourned the victims and extended support to their families and communities. "The leadership of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement mourns Mr. Katbam Titus, Mr. Geoffrey Kato Gumut, Mr. Pius Dachen, Mr. Zadok Irmiya, all victims of recent violence. We stand with their families and communities, and we continue to pray for Mr. Danjuma Kyesle and others wounded in these attacks," the statement added.

"The Mwaghavul Youth Movement remains committed to peace, but we will never confuse peace with silence," the group stated.

Efforts to get reactions from the Nigerian Army 3 Division and the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of this report.