Over 300 people have been displaced and at least 30 houses destroyed after gunmen attacked seven communities in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attacks, which happened earlier this week, caused widespread panic.
Although no lives were lost, the destruction of homes and barns has left several families homeless and farmers counting heavy losses.
The violence came just six days after four herders were killed and another injured in Fili village, also in Qua’an Pan.
Locals say the victims were grazing when the incident occurred, raising fears of escalating reprisal attacks.
Confirming the attacks, the spokesman of Qua’an Pan LG Council, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, said the council chairman, Christopher Manship, had visited the affected communities, which include Nteng, Doop, Zhep Morop, Gyeergu, Kelaghan, Loon, Kwakii, and Gorom in Doemak District.
In a statement to journalists, Sylvanus explained:
“The Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, Christopher Manship, lamented over the attacks and urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development associations to join hands with him to work towards a permanent solution to the attacks.”
He further disclosed that the chairman had mobilized security agencies to restore calm and protect residents.
“The Chairman has mobilized security agencies to the affected areas to ensure the situation is brought under control. We are working tirelessly to restore peace and normalcy to the communities,” Sylvanus added.
Moreover, the council held a stakeholders meeting with religious and traditional leaders to emphasize the importance of peace across diverse communities.
The chairman reportedly called on residents to remain vigilant while avoiding actions that could trigger more violence.
Meanwhile, security operatives have been deployed to all affected villages to maintain law and order.
Locals, however, expressed concern that recurring attacks may hinder farming activities and worsen food insecurity in the region.
One resident who lost his barn said many families were left with “nothing to return to,” as both homes and food stores were destroyed.
The Qua’an Pan attack is part of a troubling trend of rural violence in Plateau State.
Although government interventions have improved security in some parts, many communities remain vulnerable.
