A Nigerian soldier, Lance Corporal Yusuf Zakari, has been killed while leading efforts to repel a terrorist attack on Manja community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Saturday as troops from Sector 9 of Operation Enduring Peace confronted suspected armed Fulani terrorists advancing towards the community through the expansive Manja Forest, which borders Bokkos Local Government Area.
Security sources said the troops were deployed to prevent the attackers from infiltrating Manja, a community that has suffered repeated security threats linked to the ongoing herder-farmer conflict in the state.
According to a security operative who spoke on condition of anonymity, the troops engaged the attackers at about 1:25 p.m., leading to a prolonged and intense gun battle.
“Lance Corporal Zakari was part of the blocking force deployed to halt the advancing terrorists. During the fierce exchange of gunfire, he was fatally wounded while defending his fellow soldiers and civilians,” the source said.
The source added that after killing the soldier, the attackers reportedly seized his personal weapon before retreating from the area.
Reacting to the incident, Jos-based conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman disclosed in a Facebook post on Sunday that the attackers stormed Manja village in Chakfem District while worshippers were still in church, opening fire indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze.
He noted that the swift intervention of military personnel helped evacuate many residents to safety, although one soldier lost his life in the line of duty.
Usman described the attack as part of a growing wave of violence affecting communities in Plateau State, claiming that more than 50 people have been killed in similar attacks since June 1.
He called for prayers for the people of Manja, the bereaved families, and lasting peace across Plateau State.
As of the time of filing this report, military authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Comments