A community leader from the Bwai district of Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau State has leveled grave accusations against Nigerian soldiers, alleging they are arresting local youths who attempt to defend their communities against attacks by suspected Fulani militants, and accusing the soldiers of outright collusion with the attackers.
The allegations were made publicly while addressing the State Commissioner of Police, who had paid an on-the-spot visit to the area following a recent invasion where seven people were reportedly killed in the village of Kubon.
The leader expressed bitter frustration, noting that the Mwaghavul people are typically law-abiding but are facing persistent, deadly attacks. He highlighted a stark contrast in the treatment of the parties involved:
Allegations of Bias and Collusion
Arrest of Defenders: The community leader stated that when local youths acquire crude, locally made arms to ward off attackers, soldiers intervene to arrest them for possession of weapons. He contrasted this with the attackers, who are allegedly armed with “sophisticated weapons that could only compare with what security operatives handle,” yet are never arrested.
Protecting Attackers: He claimed that security personnel are actively defending the militants and, in some cases, attacking the local people. He urged the Commissioner to visit government hospitals to see injured Mwaghavul people who were allegedly attacked by security personnel protecting the Fulani “terrorists.”
Gyambus Incident: Recalling the attack on Gyambus community, where over 30 people were killed and extensive property was destroyed, the leader alleged that soldiers arrived after the attack and used Hilux vans to ferry the Fulani attackers away, calling it a clear case of collusion.
Security’s Mission Questioned: The leader challenged the Commissioner, questioning whether the security forces were deployed to secure the lives of the people or to fight the local community, emphasizing that the Fulani people are consistently the aggressors.
“We want to say categorically that if security operatives will not support us, please clear them away,” the leader pleaded, stressing that the community’s trust in the security architecture has been severely eroded by these perceived acts of partiality and assistance to the invaders.
The community leader concluded by formally presenting an exhibit—a high-caliber bullet—to the Commissioner of Police, which he said was used by the militias and is the type deployed by the Nigerian military. The statement underscores a pervasive feeling of abandonment and betrayal among the affected Mangu residents.
