GOC visits Plateau communities where 10 people died with 22 arrested in one week

At least 10 people were killed in separate attacks across Plateau State last week, while security forces arrested at least 22 suspects during various operations.

The killings happened despite intensified military efforts, including a visit by the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Williams Dangana, to Jong/Nyerwai in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Saturday.

Mr Dangana, who also commands Operation Enduring Peace, visited the community following an attack that resulted in the death of a herder and seven cattle.

During the visit, the GOC assessed the security situation and urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory violence.

The army also praised Fulani leaders for restraining their members from reprisal attacks.

The visit coincided with renewed violence in Barkin Ladi and Mangu local government areas, where attacks involving farming and herding communities have repeatedly caused deaths and displacement.

Recent killings

Two individuals were killed in separate incidents along the Jong-Nyerwai road and at Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi on Wednesday, according to security sources.

One victim was identified as Ishaku Yakubu, 19, a herder from Jong.

Another herder, Yakubu Ishaku, was reportedly killed at Nyerwai in Barkin Ladi on Friday.

On Saturday, three young herders were killed at Aloghom in Mangu.

They were identified as Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14, and Salim Abubakar, 15.

About 50 cattle were also reportedly killed in the attack, according to representatives of the Fulbe Fulani Development Association and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.

In another incident in Mangu, Katbam Titus, 29, was reportedly killed at Kinat, according to local sources.

The recent attacks have heightened fears of revenge in communities where relations between farmers and herders remain delicate.

Military actions

The latest attacks came weeks after the Army intensified operations in Mangu following an attack in August, which resulted in at least 24 deaths.

Mr Dangana subsequently moved his tactical command to Mangu and launched Operation Hard Nut, directing troops to intensify operations against the attackers and restore residents’ confidence.

The deployment aimed to bolster security in vulnerable communities and prevent further violence.

However, the recurrence of killings has raised questions about the ability of security agencies to detect and prevent attacks before they happen.

The Army continues to urge residents to provide credible intelligence and refrain from taking the law into their hands.

Arrests

Security forces also reported multiple arrests during separate operations across Plateau last week.

Troops reportedly arrested five suspected criminals in Jos East on 7 September during a raid on known hideouts.

The following day, troops reported the arrest of 14 suspected criminals during another operation in the state.

In Barkin Ladi, soldiers arrested three suspects after the killing of 17-year-old Peter Gyang at Kafi-Abu village.

The suspects were apprehended following an operation in a location believed to be connected to the attack.

These arrests bring the number of detainees during security operations in Plateau State last week to at least 22.

This figure should not be interpreted as 22 suspects arrested solely in connection with the recent killings, as the arrests stem from diverse security actions.

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Ongoing security challenges

These incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges facing Plateau, where disputes over land, farming, grazing, and longstanding communal grievances have repeatedly led to deadly violence.

Despite increased military deployments, the persistent violence is likely to put additional pressure on security agencies to identify perpetrators, prevent reprisals, and ensure continuous protection for vulnerable communities.

For residents in affected areas, the immediate priority remains safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods.

The latest incidents will also test the effectiveness of the military’s renewed strategy in Mangu and other high-conflict zones in Plateau, where communities demand consistent security rather than reactive interventions following attacks.