May 3, 2026
By SUNTV Global Channel
Fresh controversy has erupted in following serious allegations by community leaders and residents who claim that personnel of the were involved in attacks on civilians, destruction of homes, and loss of lives in Mangu Local Government Area.
Eyewitness accounts and video interviews circulating on social media describe a disturbing scene in which soldiers, deployed as peacekeepers, allegedly turned their weapons on the very community they were meant to protect.
Residents alleged that during a security operation, soldiers demolished several houses, including the residence of a Catholic evangelist. A Catholic priest, , who visited one of the affected homes in Hallie, described the situation as both “confusing” and alarming.
According to him, the catechist was inside his house with his children when an armoured military vehicle reportedly rammed into the building multiple times.
“We suddenly started hearing gunshots, and before anyone could understand what was happening, the entire area was thrown into chaos,” the priest recounted, pointing to visible damage on the structure.
He stressed that while he was not directly accusing the military, there was a clear need for accountability. “They are supposed to protect us, but what we see here raises serious concerns,” he added.
Further escalating the situation, , Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Sabon Gari, alleged that soldiers acted as escorts for Fulani militias during the violence.
According to Luka, the crisis began days earlier when suspected militias attacked and killed youths returning from a mining site. He claimed that when the attackers returned, the military intervened—but instead of protecting residents, they allegedly turned against local youths.
“They escorted them and later faced our people, leading to the casualties we are now recording,” he alleged.
Luka further revealed that over 10 individuals were reportedly shot during the incident, with victims receiving treatment in hospitals in Jos and Mangu. At least one fatality had been confirmed at the time of his statement.
Standing beside a freshly dug grave, he questioned the role of the military in the crisis. “Why would soldiers use armoured tanks against civilians? Houses were destroyed, innocent people killed,” he said.
He also criticized what he described as a lack of response from both state and federal authorities, warning that residents are now living in fear and uncertainty.
“We are calling on the government to act. The primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property,” Luka added.
When contacted, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, , said she was not aware of the incident but promised to investigate.
“No soldier in his right mind would deliberately destroy a civilian’s home. I will find out what happened,” she stated.
As tensions continue to rise in the area, residents are demanding a thorough investigation and immediate intervention to prevent further escalation.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to follow this developing story.
