By Peter Omopo
23rd August 2025
A community leader in Plateau State, Simon Takbang, has recounted how bandits launched a deadly attack on villages in Chakfem Chiefdom, Mangu Local Government Area, killing 12 people and displacing thousands of residents.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos on Friday, Takbang, who leads the Chakfem Youth Movement, said the attack occurred on Monday when more than 1,000 armed bandits invaded several communities, including Manden, Tim, Mhidihin, Jibin, Jiblang, Koppang, and Jilem.
“They set houses ablaze, destroyed properties, rustled animals, and killed 12 people, including women and children,” he said.
Among the victims were a four-month-old girl, Yilshwal Godwin; Mrs. Rifkatu Katde, 80; Talatu Joel, 53; Tapmwan Benard, 29; Danlami Kyenba, 50; Maichibi Sonyen, 81; Ishaku Yohana, 26; and Joel Longpwen, 62.
“The victims are now recorded in history as martyrs of Chakfem Chiefdom,” Takbang declared.
The community leader accused the attackers of pursuing a calculated agenda to dispossess natives of their ancestral lands. “These attacks are not spontaneous, but well-planned, premeditated, and strategically executed to render us homeless, hopeless, and alter the demographic structure of our homeland,” he said.
Takbang, however, acknowledged the swift deployment of security forces by government and the distribution of relief materials, which he said helped to halt the raid and provided temporary relief.
He urged both the federal and state governments to station security personnel permanently in the affected areas, establish mobile stations and sentry posts, and deploy agro-rangers at borders with Quaan-Pan, Bokkos, and Nasarawa State.
He further appealed for improved road networks and better mobile communication coverage in Chakfem to enhance security response during emergencies.
“We thank Governor Caleb Mutfwang for standing with us, but we also call for more proactive measures to ensure our safety and rebuild our destroyed villages,” he added.
