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By Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Three people have been killed and two others injured after cattle rustlers invaded Mwar community in Chakfem Chiefdom of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The incident occurred between midnight on Saturday and the early hours of Sunday.
Our correspondent learnt that the rustlers—suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, and heavily armed—successfully rustled several cattle and were leaving the area when they encountered some Mwaghavul youths.
It was further reported that, although unprovoked, the cattle rustlers opened fire on the youths, killing three instantly and wounding two others.
Public Relations Officer of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Mr Friday Derwam, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation, stating that contrary to widespread reports, it was not a direct attack, but rather a case of cattle rustling.
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He said the identities of the rustlers have yet to be determined: “It’s difficult to know the identities of the cattle rustlers because cattle rustling is an organised crime. All we know is that those killed were Mwaghavul youths. For now, the area is calm.”
According to him, “The rustlers, after successfully stealing the cattle, were leaving when they met some youths on their way. Though the youths didn’t challenge them, the cattle rustlers opened fire, killing three and wounding two others. So that’s the true situation.”
He added, “It’s difficult to know precisely who the cattle rustlers are because, as you know, cattle rustling is an organised business that cuts across tribes and religion.”
An eyewitness informed our correspondent via text message that many homes have been deserted as residents flee for safety. The situation is said to be tense, with numerous community members running away at the time of reporting.
Efforts to reach Maj Samson Zhakom, Media Officer with Operation Enduring Peace, and Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, for confirmation were unsuccessful, as calls to their phones were not answered.
