Arsonists have razed down 96 houses in Gyenbwas community, Langai District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday in a clash.
Residents alleged that perpetrators looted.
A traditional ruler and Madugun Langai, Alhaji Yakubu Umar, revealed this on Tuesday in Jos, adding that two people were killed on Monday, while a corpse was recovered on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to three.
The community accused the Berom ethnic group of launching the attack, looting food, mattresses, cattle and other valuables.
But the Berom have denied the allegation.
Umar said “we have never experienced such atrocities. The perpetrators burned working equipment, clothes, foodstuffs, and other items.
“They also looted goods worth millions of naira. We live peacefully with everyone, and that is why we were very surprised.”
He appealed to the government to investigate those behind the act and bring them to book, urging the state government to provide aid to those who have lost their properties.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has denied that they were responsible for the attack.
BYM president, Dalyop Solomon, who made the denial, said, “Yesterday, three of our members who were on the farm around the area were attacked by terrorists and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
“All we know is that our people are under attack. Fulani are only coming out with excuses to justify their terror attack.
“But they should also know that whenever they attack our people, we have the right to defend ourselves. In the process of self-defence, it may result in that. Someone who is targeted may exercise the right to self-defence of life, family and property, which is allowed by law.
“Possibly, people in the cause of self-defence, pursue the attackers to their hideout. We have never committed any attack against any Fulani, “he said.
The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, was yet to respond to the inquiry on the development at press time.
Violent attacks have escalated recently in Plateau State, especially in Riyom Local Government Area.
Fifty eight people had been killed, 31 injured, and over 15,000 displaced from ongoing violence.
The Plateau Youth Council (PYC) has expressed worry about the escalating attacks, alleging that the attacks were coordinated and relentless.
They have called for urgent security reinforcements and justice for victims, urging the federal government to deploy more security forces to protect vulnerable communities.
The PYC Chairman Zang Davou confirmed the murder of 58 innocent persons, the injury of 31 others, the destruction of 82 houses, and the displacement of over 15,000 residents in recent weeks.
