A grieving mother whose son was reportedly killed in an attack on Fulani herders in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State has appealed to security authorities to protect her family and other vulnerable residents.
In an emotional video obtained by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the woman expressed frustration over what she described as the inability of authorities to prevent attacks in the area.
“Wallahi, if you cannot protect us, allow our own children to defend us,” she said.
Herder Killed In Night Attack
The incident reportedly occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, around Lawet and Lamor in Pushit District, near the Mangu-Pankshin boundary.
According to reports, the attackers were suspected to be members of a Mwaghavul militia group.
Security sources cited by Zagazola Makama alleged that the attackers used tear-gas canisters before opening fire with automatic rifles at the settlement.
One Fulani herder was reportedly killed, while cattle belonging to the affected residents were also attacked.
A subsequent report said troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to a distress call and confirmed that 12 cattle were killed and another 12 injured, while several others were reportedly rustled. Troops later traced and recovered the rustled cattle around the Pankshin area.
Mother Appeals For Protection
The grieving mother made the emotional appeal while mourning her son, calling on security agencies to take action to prevent further killings.
Her statement reflects growing fears among residents of communities affected by the recurring violence in Mangu, where attacks on civilians and livestock have repeatedly been followed by reprisal attacks.
The latest incident has further heightened concerns over the safety of farmers, herders and other residents living around the Mangu-Pankshin axis.
Authorities Face Fresh Security Challenge
The identity of those responsible for the latest attack has not been independently established, and the allegation that the attackers were Mwaghavul militia remains an attribution from the available security report.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and strengthen measures to protect vulnerable communities.
The emotional appeal from the bereaved mother has also renewed concerns that prolonged insecurity could push victims or their relatives towards taking up arms themselves.
Such a development could further deepen the cycle of violence and retaliation in the area.
For affected families, however, the immediate demand remains protection, justice and accountability for those responsible for the killings.
