Two people have been killed and several cattle rustled after suspected armed militia attacked Fulani herders along the Jong-Nyeriwei road and in Dorowa Babuje community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the incidents occurred on Wednesday and are the latest in a series of violent attacks and counter-attacks that have heightened tensions between communities in parts of Plateau State.
Makama reported that troops from Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) responded to reports of sporadic gunfire along the Jong-Nyeriwei road at about 1:09 pm, where they found the bodies of the victims.
“During the attack, a 19-year-old herder identified as Ishaku Yakubu, from Jong Village, was reportedly killed. The attackers also shot and killed seven cattle, while a sizeable number of other cattle were allegedly rustled and taken away from the area,” the publication reads.
“The troops subsequently dominated the general areas of Nyeriwei and Enzom in an effort to locate the rustled livestock and apprehend those responsible for the attack.”
Makama said troops later received a distress call from Dorowa Babuje community in Barkin Ladi at about 2:25 pm and immediately moved to the area.
On arrival, the troops discovered that a 23-year-old man identified as Andata had been shot dead by armed Fulani youths around Marit Junction in Dorowa Babuje.
“The two incidents occurred within hours of each other, raising fresh concerns over the potential for retaliatory attacks in the affected communities,” Makama said.
“The Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace has consequently intensified efforts to prevent reprisal attacks and contain the situation. Security sources said the latest violence draws attention to the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau State, where attacks on herders and livestock theft by the Berom Militia have repeatedly triggered retaliatory violence.
“The pattern has often involved an initial attack resulting in deaths or destruction of property, followed by a reprisal attack against another community, creating a cycle of violence that is difficult to contain.”
The publication said troops had urged residents to remain calm, avoid reprisals and provide credible information to security agencies.