RismadarVoice Reporters
September 14, 2026
At least four people have been killed in fresh attacks on communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, including a 55-year-old man who was reportedly beheaded, according to the Mwaghavul Youth Movement.
The attacks, which occurred across four communities within three days, also left another man seriously injured and receiving medical treatment, the group said.
The incidents were reported in Kikyau, Larkas, Ntul and Kinat, with the latest attack occurring in Kinat on the night of September 12.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Public Affairs of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Tubwot Joël, on behalf of the association’s president, Kyesmang Jonathan Yusuf, the group condemned the violence and called for thorough investigations.
The group identified the latest victim as 29-year-old Katbam Titus, who it alleged was killed by armed attackers during the night attack on Kinat.
The incident occurred only hours after the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, visited Mangu and held a security engagement with Mwaghavul and Fulani leaders aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further attacks.
According to the group, the GOC assured the communities that the Army would not allow one group to attack another and promised decisive action against those responsible for further violence.
The Mwaghavul group said the Kinat attack had raised fresh concerns over the effectiveness of security measures and the ability of authorities to protect vulnerable communities.
55-YEAR-OLD MAN BEHEADED
The group said another attack occurred in Kikyau, Mangu Halle District, on September 11, where 55-year-old Geoffrey Gumut was allegedly beheaded.
It said Gumut’s head had not been recovered as of the time the statement was issued.
The group described the incident as particularly horrific and called for the victim’s death to be fully investigated.
In Larkas, Panyam District, 45-year-old Danjuma Kyesle was reportedly attacked with a machete and seriously injured.
He was receiving medical treatment, according to the group.
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement expressed particular concern over the Larkas incident, alleging that security personnel were stationed within the community when the attack occurred.
It called for the circumstances surrounding the incident to be established and for any allegations of negligence, compromise or failure of duty to be investigated objectively.
TWO OTHERS KILLED IN NTUL
The group further reported that two men, Pius Dachen, 50, and Zadok Irmiya, 25, were killed in Ntul, Mangu District.
The organisation described the four incidents as a renewed pattern of violence affecting communities in the area and questioned how many further attacks would occur before those responsible were brought to justice.
It alleged that armed elements were attempting to undermine ongoing peace efforts and maintain fear in affected communities.
The group also urged security authorities to investigate the attacks independently and transparently, identify those responsible and prosecute them according to the law.
CALL FOR SECURITY AGENCIES TO ACT
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement called on the GOC, the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and other security agencies to strengthen protection for communities considered vulnerable to attacks.
It also urged authorities to disrupt the activities of armed groups operating in the area and ensure that perpetrators faced prosecution.
The organisation appealed to Fulani leaders who participated in the GOC’s security engagement to demonstrate their commitment to peace by helping identify, condemn and discourage armed individuals responsible for violence.
The group attributed the attacks to what it described as “DABBA-ric Fulani elements.” The allegation was made by the group and had not been independently verified.
The organisation mourned Titus, Gumut, Dachen and Irmiya and expressed solidarity with their families, while wishing Kyesle and other wounded victims a recovery.
It also reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence, saying its pursuit of peace should not be interpreted as acceptance of violence or silence in the face of attacks.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time.
