Crime
43 herders killed in renewed vigilante attacks in Kebbi, Niger States
43 herders killed in renewed vigilante attacks in Kebbi, Niger States
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 43 Fulani herders have been killed in a series of coordinated attacks by suspected vigilante groups across parts of Kebbi and Niger States, according to community sources and local leaders.
Zagazola Makama report that the attacks, which occurred between Oct. 24 and 26, affected several rural settlements in Argungu, Arewa, and Bunza Local Government Areas of Kebbi State, where armed vigilantes reportedly invaded Fulani communities, killing dozens and setting houses ablaze.
In Lailaba District of Argungu LGA, particularly at Maini Fulani settlement, and in Bui and Tilli districts of Arewa and Bunza LGAs respectively, at least 37 people were killed, several others injured, and more than 200 houses destroyed. Many residents, including women and children, were displaced, while some persons remain missing.
Eyewitnesses said the attacks were carried out by groups of vigilantes who stormed the herders’ camps, shooting sporadically and torching homes. The violence was said to have begun on Oct. 24 in Argungu, followed by another on Oct. 25 in Bunza, and a third on Oct. 26 in Bui.
Community members alleged that the assailants came from neighbouring villages in Arewa LGA, including Yeldu District, while others involved in the Bui incident were said to have come from Tunga Bature, Tunga Tsoho, Bui, Sangela, and Danmairago villages.
Authorities in Kebbi have since visited the affected areas, promising to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. The state government also assured displaced families of support and called for calm to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, similar violence was reported in Edati Local Government Area of Niger State, where six Fulani herders were killed and more than 60 houses burnt on Sept. 21 in Ejjin, Runji, Majina, and Ginshi villages.
Such acts of reprisal and mob justice could worsen communal relations and heighten insecurity across the affected states.
Reacting to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the attacks in a statement issued in Abuja by the association’s National Secretary, Bello Aliyu Gotomo.
The group described the killings and destruction of herders’ settlements as unjustified and inhumane, calling for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved.
MACBAN lamented that herders in the region were already contending with the activities of armed bandits locally referred to as Lakurawa, who extort illegal taxes, seize livestock, and terrorise rural dwellers.
“Now, in addition to these threats, peaceful herders are being attacked by vigilantes acting outside the law. Allowing people to take the law into their hands will only worsen insecurity across the state,” the statement warned.
The group further expressed grief over a similar incident in Niger State, where six Fulani herders were killed and more than 60 houses burnt by vigilantes on Sept. 21, 2025, in the communities of Ejjin, Runji, Majina, and Ginshi in Edati Local Government Area.
MACBAN said the violence followed a misunderstanding between a farmer and a herder, after which some vigilantes mobilised and attacked herders’ homes while the herder involved was already in police custody.
The association commended the Governor of Niger State for his prompt intervention, which prevented the crisis from escalating further.
MACBAN, however, called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to urgently address the rising wave of insecurity affecting rural communities across the country, noting that the situation had severely impacted livestock rearing and farming activities.
“The security crisis in rural areas demands immediate and coordinated attention from all tiers of government to protect lives and livelihoods,” Gotomo stated.
43 herders killed in renewed vigilante attacks in Kebbi, Niger States
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have arrested three suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid on a suspected drug hideout in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 11:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, raided a suspected drug peddling hideout known as “Downstairs/Upstairs” at Mista Ali.
During the operation, the troops arrested three suspects and recovered quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the Keystone Outpost, Mista Ali, for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt illicit drug activities and other criminal networks capable of undermining security in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
Troops Intervene After Farm Destruction, Assault of Herder in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have intervened in separate incidents involving alleged destruction of farmlands and the assault of a herder in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incidents occurred on Sunday, August 23, 2026, around the Kwi general area of the local government.
According to a security source, troops responded to a report of cattle destroying farmlands in the area and, upon arrival, discovered an injured herder who had allegedly been assaulted by some Berom youths.
The troops immediately brought the situation under control and evacuated the injured herder to a hospital for medical attention.
In a related development, troops also responded to reports of the destruction of multiple farmlands around Kwi, including the Bok and Gura areas.
On arrival, the troops reportedly found a herd of cattle grazing on the farmlands, while the herder fled after sighting the security personnel.
The livestock were subsequently moved to the troops’ location to allow for an amicable resolution of the dispute and prevent further escalation between farmers and herders.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to prevent farmer-herder disputes from escalating into violence and maintain peace in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Security personnel are maintaining surveillance in the affected areas while efforts continue to ensure peaceful resolution of the incidents.
Troops Intervene After Farm Destruction, Assault of Herder in Plateau
Suspected Fulani Bandits Attack Claims Miner’s Life in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A miner identified as Mr. Dachung Dacholom has been killed in an isolated shooting incident by suspected Fulani bandits at an illegal mining site in Rim community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, deployed at Rim responded to reports of sporadic gunshots around an illegal mining site.
Military sources said the troops, alongside personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), arrived at the location and discovered the corpse of Dacholom, who was reportedly shot by suspected Fulani militia members.
The assailants were said to have opened fire on miners at the site before fleeing into the surrounding high grounds.
The troops subsequently combed the general area in search of the attackers but made no contact with the assailants.
The victim’s remains were later handed over to his family members for burial.
Meanwhile, troops have intensified patrols and domination of the general area to prevent further attacks and de-escalate tensions in the community.
Security agencies are also continuing efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Suspected Fulani Bandits Attack Claims Miner’s Life in Plateau
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