Two people were killed and a soldier injured in an ambush by suspected gunmen in the Irigwe community, Bassa Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State.

Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement, stated: “This morning, three of our people were ambushed by Fulani militias. Two died instantly, and one survived with bullet injuries and is currently hospitalised in an undisclosed location.”

The victims were Adamu Bala, 38, and Gado Trra, 45. Over 20 farmlands were also destroyed.

The attack followed allegations by the Fulani community that over 300 cattle were rustled on 22 April 2025 in Jouckchal community, Panyam district, Mangu LGA. Musa Muhammad, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Mangu, said, “The cattle, over 300 belonging to three persons, including Jeji Boro with 130, Shagari Manu with 70, and Tambaya Jouckchal with 103, were taken by the attackers.”

He claimed Mwaghavul youths were responsible, alleging the rustlers attacked at 4:30 PM, firing shots as herders fled.

Bulus Dabit, National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, denied the accusation, stating, “I am just hearing about the incident. There are cattle rustlers all over the place. Criminals are found within every tribe, including the Fulani.”

Muhammad reported that only five of the 300 cattle were recovered despite security efforts by Operation Safe Haven’s Sector 8 Commander. (Daily Sun)