A farmer in Plateau State is receiving treatment in hospital after an alleged machete attack by suspected herders in Mangu Local Government Area, security sources have confirmed.

The victim, identified as Timothy Titus, was reportedly working on or returning from his farmland near Jwakp Maitumbi village when he was accosted and attacked by assailants believed to be herders. He sustained multiple machete cuts in the assault, leaving him critically injured.

Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, deployed in the area to respond to insecurity and communal tensions, were alerted to the incident and moved swiftly to the scene. On arrival, they found Titus lying in a pool of blood with deep lacerations on different parts of his body.

Military personnel immediately evacuated him to the General Hospital in Mangu, where medical teams commenced emergency treatment. Hospital sources said the farmer remains under close observation, though details of his condition have not been made public.

Security operatives say a manhunt is under way to track down the attackers. Troops and other security agencies are reportedly combing nearby communities and grazing routes in an effort to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Investigators are also working to establish the circumstances that led to the assault, including whether it was linked to a dispute over farmland, grazing rights or previous tensions between farmers and herders in the area. Mangu and other parts of Plateau have in recent years witnessed recurring clashes between farming communities and herders, often triggered by competition over land and water, cattle encroachment on crops, and retaliatory attacks.

Security analysts say the latest incident underscores the fragility of rural communities in Plateau and the continuing challenge of protecting farmers during the current farming season. They warn that unresolved grievances and weak local conflict-resolution mechanisms can quickly escalate into broader violence if not addressed.

Authorities are urging residents of Jwakp Maitumbi and surrounding villages to remain calm and to provide credible information that could assist in the investigation. The military has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the area and has promised to intensify patrols to deter further attacks.