Plateau State Attack Kills 5 Houses Razed

Plateau attack

In the remote hills of Plateau State, Nigeria, tragedy struck again as suspected Fulani herdsmen launched a devastating attack on Tim village in Chakfem District, Mangu Local Government Area, on the evening of August 19, 2025. The attack claimed five lives, injured several others, and reduced 10 thatched homes to rubble, deepening the scars of a community long plagued by ethnic and resource-based conflicts.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, citing local sources, reported that the violence might be a result of reprisals over alleged cattle rustling, a common trigger in the farmer-herder conflicts that have plagued central Nigeria for years. Victims were buried quickly according to local traditions, while the injured received urgent treatment at nearby hospitals. Residents complained about the delayed security response, blaming rough terrain, poor network signals, and the village's isolation for the delay.

This incident reflects a disturbing pattern in Plateau, where over 3,600 lives have been lost to similar violence in 2025 alone, according to tribal leaders. Just months earlier, in June, gunmen killed 19 people in a nearby Chakfem attack, emphasizing the ongoing cycle of revenge. Farmers blame herders for encroachment and hostility, while herders, represented by groups like Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), often say they act in self-defense against rustling and land grabbing. These perspectives show mutual grievances in a region strained by climate change, overgrazing, and weak governance.

Government efforts, including President Bola Tinubu's calls for offensive actions against insecurity, have yet to stop the surge, with over 50 villages reportedly under siege. Local authorities and police have arrested suspects in past incidents, but residents fear escalation without addressing root causes like resource disputes and poverty.

As a tentative calm returns to Tim, the air remains thick with tension as villagers brace for more reprisals, urging dialogue and stronger interventions. This isn't just statistics; it's shattered families and eroded trust in a diverse nation. For lasting peace, stakeholders from all sides, farmers, herders, and officials, must prioritize reconciliation over revenge. If you're in affected areas, stay informed through reliable channels and support community-led initiatives for harmony.