By Palang Paul
The Mwaghavul Development Association Worldwide President, Bulus Dabit, has called on youths to defend their communities following the killing of 24 people in Bin-Mper, Plateau State Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Dabit made the call in Mangu after Gunmen suspected to be Fulani terrorists attacked Bin-Mper, Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area, at about 11 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026.
The community is located approximately 75 kilometres south-southeast of Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Dabit, who confirmed the attack to The Nigeria Times argued that self-defence is a constitutional right and urged youths to stand up to protect their communities.
He warned that failure to defend the communities could allow terrorists to overrun them.
At least 24 people were killed in the attack, while four others were injured.
The deceased were identified as:
Yuwang Bitmas, 70; Sabina Friday, 50; Namchin Sunday, 35; Tapret Friday, 8; Progress Sunday, 18; Chinuplang Sunday, 20; Nambam Shadrach, 38; Pamret Shadrach, 10; Kyepan Shadrach, 1; Fwangshak Shadrach, 7; Namiwal John, 12; Kyempa John, 10; Tapshak John, 35; Biplang Jonathan, 12; Elizah Jonathan, 15; Ceto Jonathan, 6; Yunana Titus, 42; Confidence Titus, 35; Nancy Confidence, 30; Wanlop Yunana, 32; Kesina Titus, 60; Gutap Yunana, 6; Tapchin Yunana, 9; and Amha John, 9.
The injured were identified as:
Shadrach Ayuba, 42; Kyempa Jonathan, 35; Success Confidence, 2; and Kyempila Kenneth, 25.
Jonathan Kyesmang, President of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement (MYM), also confirmed that 24 people were killed in Bin-Mper and urged President Bola Tinubu to implement state police in the country.
Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philimon Dafi, said the attack gives credence to calls for state police, arguing that internal security would be brought closer to rural communities.
A survivor, who pleaded anonymity and is caring for Success Confidence, a two-year-old girl who lost both parents in the attack, said the assailants stormed the community around 11 p.m. and opened fire on residents.
Residents are also appealing for urgent financial assistance, saying they cannot afford the hospital bills of those injured in the attack.
The Plateau State Government condemned the attack, sympathised with affected families and urged residents to remain calm and avoid reprisals.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols in Bin-Mper and other vulnerable areas while urging residents to provide information that could help apprehend those responsible.
Plateau and other parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt have witnessed a spate of killings in recent months with little or no concrete security intervention from the Federal Government.
Palang Paul reports on Conflict and Security for The Nigeria Times.
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