Gunmen ambushed three individuals in the Irigwe community, located in the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in two fatalities and one soldier injured. The incident, which took place early in the morning, saw victims Adamu Bala, aged 38, and Gado Trra, aged 45, lose their lives instantly. A third person survived with bullet wounds and is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement, confirmed the ambush, attributing it to suspected Fulani militants.
The attack occurred amid accusations from the Fulani community regarding the theft of over 300 cattle in the Jouckchal community, Panyam district, Mangu Local Government Area, on April 22, 2025. Musa Muhammad, the Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Mangu, claimed that the cattle were rustled by a group of youths from the Mwaghavul community. He identified the victims of the cattle theft as Jeji Boro, Shagari Manu, and Tambaya Jouckchal, whose herds were reportedly stolen by armed attackers.
The allegation was promptly denied by Bulus Dabit, the National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, who stated that criminal activities, such as cattle rustling, are widespread and occur among various communities, including the Fulani.
Security efforts have so far led to the recovery of only five cattle out of the 300 stolen, despite efforts by Operation Safe Haven’s Sector 8 Commander. The situation continues to escalate tensions in the region.
