Nigerian Military Attributes Mangu Crisis to Cattle Rustling and Fatal Collision Incident
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has disclosed the primary cause of the ongoing crisis in the Mangu area of Plateau State. According to Maj Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the crisis originated from an incident of cattle rustling and the subsequent death of a Wagungun man who collided with cattle while riding his motorbike on January 22, 2024.
Buba explained that an argument between herders militias and the Wangagu man escalated, resulting in the man's death. This incident triggered a breakdown of law and order in Mangu town and its surrounding areas.
In a media briefing in Abuja, Buba highlighted the efforts of the military in deploying battlefield enablers to enhance intelligence and strike capability against the involved parties. He urged the conflicting factions to seek peaceful resolutions to the crisis.
The Mangu crisis has led to significant unrest in the region, prompting the governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, to declare a curfew as a preventive measure.
The military's acknowledgment of the root cause of the crisis provides insights into the dynamics of the conflict and emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying issues such as cattle rustling and communal tensions to achieve lasting peace in the affected areas.