Fulani victims urge probe into alleged use of teargas during livestock attacks in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Fulani victims of a recent attack on livestock in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State have urged security agencies to investigate the alleged use of teargas during attacks on their communities and determine how the material may have come into the possession of armed assailants.
The victims, who spoke in a video obtained by Zagazola Makama following the recent attack at Lamor, Lawet, in Pushit District, said the incident raised questions about the source and possession of the teargas allegedly used during the operation.
According to the victims, apart from riffles, teargas was reportedly deployed during the attack in which eight cattle were allegedly killed, 17 others and two sheep injured, while 74 cattle were reportedly taken away by the attackers.
They alleged that the attackers were suspected Mwaghavul militia and their accomplices, and urged security agencies to fish out those responsible through proper investigation.
The victims questioned how teargas, which they believe is ordinarily associated with law-enforcement operations, could have found its way into the hands of armed groups operating in the area.
They therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to examine the incident, including any evidence of teargas canisters or other materials recovered from the scene.
One of the key questions the victims want investigators to answer is whether the substance allegedly used was genuine law-enforcement teargas, where it originated from, and how it came into the possession of the attackers.
The victims said establishing the source of the material would be important in determining whether there had been any diversion, theft or unlawful supply of security equipment to criminal elements.
The latest allegations come against the backdrop of renewed attacks involving livestock and rural communities in Mangu, with victims reporting that 74 cattle were allegedly stolen during the Sept. 27 incident.
They also recalled an earlier incident, reportedly about two weeks before, in which three herders were allegedly killed and about 50 cattle stolen.
The victims appealed to the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies to investigate the incidents independently and ensure that any person found responsible, regardless of ethnic or community affiliation, is brought before the law.
They further urged security agencies to preserve evidence from the attack scenes, including any abandoned materials, spent ammunition, teargas canisters or other objects that could assist investigators in identifying the attackers and tracing their sources.
Security agencies have yet to publicly confirm the allegation concerning the use or source of teargas in the latest livestock attack.
