Gunmen b£head 55-year-old man, k!ll three others

Gunmen behead 55-year-old man, kill three others in Plateau

Gunmen have killed four people, including a 55-year-old man who was beheaded, in fresh attacks on four communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attacks, which occurred within three days, also left another man seriously injured, according to the Mwaghavul Youth Movement.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Mwaghavul Development Association, Tubwot Joël, for the President, Comrade Kyesmang Jonathan Yusuf, the group confirmed the killings and described the attacks as “another painful reminder that armed attackers continue to find opportunities to inflict violence on Mwaghavul communities.”

According to the group, the latest incident occurred in Kinat on the night of September 12, 2026.

“We are deeply outraged by the fresh attack on Kinat, Mangu Local Government Area, in which Mr. Katbam Titus, aged 29, was killed by armed Fulanis during the night of 12th September 2026,” the statement read.

The group said the killing occurred “only hours after the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, visited Mangu and convened a security engagement with Mwaghavul and Fulani leaders, during which he called on both communities to put an end to their differences.”

The group quoted the GOC as giving “a clear assurance that he would not watch any group attack another, promising that the Army would clamp down on any group responsible for further attacks.”

It added, “Yet, before the dust could settle on that engagement, Kinat was attacked and a young Mwaghavul man, Katbam Titus, was killed and this cannot simply be ignored.”

The group linked the Kinat attack to three other incidents recorded in the preceding days.

It said, “In Kikyau, Mangu Halle District, Mr. Geoffrey Gumut, aged 55, was beheaded on Friday, 11th of the same month by armed Fulanis. As of the time of this statement, his head hasn’t been recovered, adding an exceptionally horrific dimension to the tragedy.”

It added, “In Larkas, Panyam District, Mr. Danjuma Kyesle, aged 45, was reportedly attacked and macheted and remains in medical care. The circumstances surrounding the Larkas incident are particularly disturbing because security personnel were reportedly stationed within the community at the time of the attack.”

The group further stated, “In Ntul of Mangu District of Mangu Local Government, Mr. Pius Dachen, aged 50, and Mr. Zadok Irmiya, aged 25, were also gruesomely murdered by same elements yesterday.”

Summarising the incidents, the group said, “Four incidents. Four communities. Multiple victims.”

The movement questioned the security authorities over the recurring attacks, asking, “How many more attacks must occur before those responsible are decisively dealt with?”

It accused armed elements of seeking to “undermine peace efforts and keep communities in a perpetual state of fear,” adding that whenever dialogue was initiated and assurances given, another attack occurred, creating the impression that perpetrators could continue their operations “without meaningful consequences.”

The group reminded the GOC of his commitment during his engagement in Mangu, quoting him as saying, “I will not watch any group attack another. The Army would clamp down on those responsible for further attacks.”

It said the Kinat attack “now provides an immediate opportunity for the GOC to demonstrate that commitment.”

The group called on the GOC and security agencies to ensure that the Kikyau, Larkas, Ntul and Kinat incidents received “thorough, independent and transparent investigations,” with perpetrators identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It also demanded answers over the circumstances surrounding the Larkas attack, particularly the reported presence of security personnel in the community when the incident occurred.

The group said where there were allegations of negligence, compromise or failure of duty, such allegations should be investigated objectively.

The statement accused “DABBA-ric Fulani elements” of being responsible for the attacks and called on the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies to strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities, disrupt the activities of armed groups and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

It also urged Fulani leaders who participated in the GOC’s engagement to publicly demonstrate their commitment to peace by helping to identify, condemn and discourage armed elements among them.

The movement mourned the victims and expressed solidarity with their families and communities.

“The leadership of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement mourns Mr. Katbam Titus, Mr. Geoffrey Kato Gumut, Mr. Pius Dachen, Mr. Zadok Irmiya, all victims of recent violence. We stand with their families and communities, and we continue to pray for Mr. Danjuma Kyesle and others wounded in these attacks,” the statement added.

“The Mwaghavul Youth Movement remains committed to peace, but we will never confuse peace with silence,” the group stated.

Efforts to obtain reactions from the Nigerian Army 3 Division and the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time.