Suspected Mhwaghavul militia attack three cattle herders in Aloghom, Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Three cattle herders have reportedly been attacked in the Aloghom axis of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an incident allegedly involving suspected Mhwaghavul militia members.
The victims, identified as Abdulkadir Musa, 30; Adamu Haruna, 20; and Ibrahim Dahiru, 20, were reportedly in the area with cattle when gunshots were fired, resulting in the reported attack.
Preliminary information indicated that Abdulkadir Musa was at home when he heard gunshots and reportedly came out to ascertain what was happening, only to be shot.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including motive for the attack, have not been independently established.
The incident comes amid a recurring pattern of violence reported in parts of Mangu and other areas of Plateau State, where attacks involving armed actors from opposing communities have frequently been followed by reprisals.
Security and community sources have previously reported a pattern in which disputes or attacks involving cattle, livestock routes, farmland and alleged livestock theft by locals can quickly escalate into armed confrontations.
In some cases, an initial attack on farmers, herders or livestock is followed by a retaliatory attack against members of the other community which resulted in deaths, destruction of property, burning of homes and the loss or killing of livestock.
In the Aloghom area, the reported attack on the three cattle herders is therefore being viewed against the background of previous incidents in which violence between armed groups has affected both farming and herding communities.
The current condition of the three victims remains critical.
