JUST-IN: Suspected Mwaghavul Militias Kill Fulani Herder in Ambush Along Lamor–Gohotkung Road in Plateau

A Fulani herder, identified as Umar Jibril Jafar, has been killed in an alleged ambush by suspected Mwaghavul militia members along the Lamor–Gohotkung road in Pushit District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to reports of sporadic gunfire along the road at about 11:00 a.m. on Oct. 27, 2026.

Upon arrival at the scene, the troops reportedly discovered the corpse of Jafar, who was said to be from Bentul Fulani Camp in Fier District, Pankshin Local Government Area of the state.

A second victim, identified as Hajia Talatu, who was travelling with the deceased, told security personnel that they were ambushed while on their way to Jennaret Market.

According to her account, the assailants were suspected Mwaghavul militia members dressed in black outfits. She said the attackers spared her after she pleaded for her life.

The woman reportedly identified one of the alleged attackers as a man known as “Karfe,” said to be the leader of a local vigilante group in Pushit District, also known as “Tapyil.”

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the identification of the suspect remains subject to investigation.

The troops, working alongside Keystone, subsequently handed over the deceased’s remains to Fulani community leaders for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Security sources said a joint manhunt had been launched for the identified suspect and other alleged accomplices, with efforts ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the killing.

The incident adds to growing security concerns in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, where recurring attacks involving farming and herding communities have heightened tensions.

Security agencies have continued to call for calm and urged residents to provide credible information to assist investigations, while warning against reprisals that could further endanger innocent people.