In a gripping press conference held on July 8, 2023, the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) shed light on the horrifying security situation in Mwaghavul land, as a wave of brutal attacks orchestrated by Fulani herdsmen continues to ravage the region. The conference, held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos, Plateau State, served as a desperate plea for immediate government intervention.

Sir Joseph Gwankat, the Makaman Panyam and National President of MDA, addressed the press with a heavy heart, sharing chilling details of the atrocities committed against the peaceful Mwaghavul people. He lamented that the Mwaghavul Nation, nestled in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA), had become a prime target for bloodthirsty Fulani terrorists.

Gwankat passionately emphasized that the Mwaghavul people had always welcomed others with open arms, fostering a reputation as a hospitable and peaceful community. However, recent events have shattered this serene existence, with Fulani terrorists singling out Mwaghavul land for heinous acts of violence. The attacks, completely unprovoked, have left a trail of death and destruction in their wake.

The MDA President delivered a sobering account of the villages that have fallen victim to these merciless attacks. From the Bwai District, he listed Murish, Dungmunan, Kubat, Tim Naanle, Pil, Fungzai, Manja, and Chisu as villages that have been reduced to ghost towns, with the death toll reaching a staggering 204 lives lost. The fate of many others remains unknown, as they are still reported missing.

Gwankat unleashed scathing criticism against the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), vehemently refuting their baseless claims that Operation Rainbow operatives were responsible for the violence. He accused MACBAN of attempting to tarnish the Plateau State Government’s reputation and creating a false narrative of bias. In a brazen retort, he challenged MACBAN to provide concrete evidence to support their allegations, unequivocally stating that the true perpetrators were the Fulani herdsmen themselves.

Calling for urgent and decisive action, Gwankat demanded that MACBAN be designated as a terrorist organization due to the reign of terror unleashed by its members across the country. He implored the government to take responsibility for the education and welfare of children who have been orphaned by the brutal attacks. Furthermore, he urged authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of the affected communities, providing immediate relief materials, medical aid, and trauma counseling.

The MDA President’s impassioned plea reverberated throughout the press conference, underscoring the urgent need for security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and restore peace to the region. With an air of defiance, Gwankat assured the Mwaghavul people that they would not succumb to retaliation, maintaining their commitment to peaceful coexistence and resilience in the face of immense provocation.

As the press conference concluded, the haunting images of Mwaghavul villages turned grazing fields for Fulani herders and the devastating loss of innocent lives continued to linger in the minds of attendees. The call for justice and immediate government action echoed through the room, serving as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect the lives and livelihoods of the Mwaghavul community.

The MDA’s impassioned appeal marked a pivotal moment in the fight against the terror plaguing Mwaghavul land, igniting a spark of hope that the government would heed their call and restore peace to the beleaguered region. The eyes of the nation now turn to the authorities, waiting for a resolute response to the shocking atrocities unfolding in Mwaghavul land.