Crime
10 livestock shot dead 12 inured in attack on Fulani in Gero village as another reprisal in Plateau deepen
10 livestock shot dead 12 inured in attack on Fulani in Gero village as another reprisal in Plateau deepen
By: Zagazola Makama
Tension heightened in Gero village, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau, following the killing and injury of livestock in an attack against Fulani allegedly carried out by Berom militias, an incident residents warned could trigger another round of reprisals across the state.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Sunday when armed men stormed grazing areas around Gero village and opened fire on cattle belonging to Fulani herders.
According to the sources, no fewer than 10 cattle were killed on the spot, while 12 others sustained fatal injuries and were later abandoned.
Community leaders described the attack as part of a growing pattern of unreported violence against pastoral communities in Jos South and adjoining local government areas.The attack at Gero is not an isolated incident. Similar cases have been happening quietly, a community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
The sources alleged that repeated complaints to authorities had yielded little response, accusing the Plateau State Government of reacting mainly to incidents from one side of the conflict.
Zagazola reports that the Gero incident came amid heightened tension following a series of violent episodes across Plateau in recent days, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos East Local Government Areas.
In one of the most disturbing incidents, four children were killed on Thursday in Dorong village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi LGA, in a reprisal attack linked to earlier assaults on pastoral communities and large-scale cattle rustling.
The victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isa’ac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.
The reprisal followed coordinated attacks in which more than 160 cattle were reportedly rustled in Barkin Ladi and Jos East LGAs, while several others died after grazing on poisoned substances in Riyom LGA.
Zagazola report that concern of recent narratives suggesting bandits were planning fresh attacks ahead of the Christmas season failed to reflect the realities on the ground. Many of these reprisals are being triggered by killings, cattle rustling and livestock poisoning that go largely unreported, some allegedly involving government-supported militias,” another source said.
Zagazola warned that unless the government intervened decisively by investigating all attacks, arresting perpetrators irrespective of affiliation and addressing grievances on all sides, Plateau would continue to slide into more violence.
“We fear another round of reprisals if these issues are ignored. Innocent people, especially women and children, who dont know anything always pay the price,” the source added.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Government and security agencies were yet to issue an official statement on the Gero village incident.
10 livestock shot dead 12 inured in attack on Fulani in Gero village as another reprisal in Plateau deepen
Police Arrest Two Suspected One-Chance Robbery Syndicate Members in Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a “one-chance” robbery syndicate over the alleged theft of a commercial tricycle in the Ojo area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Emeka Obi, 51, from Enugu State, and John Eze, 54, from Anambra State, were arrested at about 7 a.m. on Aug. 17 in the Iyana-Iba area of Ojo.
The suspects allegedly hired a tricycle belonging to a man identified as Ekene on Aug. 16, claiming they needed transportation to a hospital where their wife had delivered a newborn baby.
However, during the journey, the suspects allegedly stopped at a beer parlour around Kila Bus Stop, Ejigbo, where they took alcohol.
The report said the suspects subsequently asked the tricycle rider to purchase cigarettes.
While the rider was away, the suspects allegedly laced his drink with an unidentified substance.
The rider reportedly became unconscious and, upon regaining consciousness, discovered that his tricycle, with registration number KTU-334-QS, had been taken.
Following police investigation, the two suspects were arrested and the stolen tricycle was recovered and registered as an exhibit.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigation continues to establish their alleged roles and determine whether they are linked to other “one-chance” robbery incidents in Lagos.
Police Arrest Two Suspected One-Chance Robbery Syndicate Members in Lagos
Troops Arrest Suspected Bandits’ Informant in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
KATSINA — Troops have arrested an 18-year-old suspected informant for armed bandits after he was found allegedly gathering information on the deployment and capabilities of security forces in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The arrest followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits around the Katsina-Kano border, prompting troops to maintain blocking positions and surveillance across their area of responsibility.
According to a Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama, locals in Tsaure alerted troops at about 10:25 a.m. on Aug. 19 after observing a suspicious young man identified as Sa’adu Sama, from Girtaji village in Musawa LGA.
The suspect was reportedly seen loitering around the community and asking children questions about the deployment of troops, including their strength, vehicles, motorcycles and equipment.
The children quickly reported the suspicious activity to community elders, who subsequently alerted troops of the Forward Operating Base in Tsaure.
The troops immediately moved in and arrested the suspect.
Security sources said the suspect was subsequently moved to the Brigade Headquarters for further interrogation and investigation.
The arrest highlights the importance of community vigilance and timely information-sharing between residents and security forces in disrupting criminal networks and preventing bandit attacks.
The security situation around the Forward Operating Bases and Joint Task Force locations was described as calm, while troops continued monitoring activities in the area.
The morale and fighting spirit of the troops were also reported to remain high.
Troops Arrest Suspected Bandits’ Informant in Katsina
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Minors in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have foiled an attempted kidnapping and rescued four minors in Agingi, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 5:45 p.m. on Aug. 17, when troops responded to a report that four children had been targeted by suspected kidnappers while returning from the farm.
The troops’ swift intervention forced the criminals to flee, leading to the rescue of the victims.
The rescued minors were identified as Happy Pius, 15; David Monday, 13; Mercy Pius, 14; and Joy Monday, 13.
The victims were subsequently reunited with their families, while security forces commenced efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The successful intervention underscores the importance of rapid military response and community alerts in preventing criminal elements from abducting vulnerable residents in rural communities.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Minors in Plateau
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