Crime
Three Killed in Barkin Ladi Amid Rising Tensions Over Livestock Poisoning in Plateau
Three Killed in Barkin Ladi Amid Rising Tensions Over Livestock Poisoning in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Three persons have been killed in an attack on Hurum village in Tenti District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what sources described as a retaliatory incident linked to the earlier poisoning of nine livestock by Berom militia in the area.
Zagazola report that the victims were identified as Clement Polycarp, 35; Pankat Moses, 32; and Jonathan Danladi, 12, all residents of Hurum village. Two other persons sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the late-night attack, which occurred at about 2200hrs.
Security sources said armed men stormed the community and opened fire on residents before fleeing into a nearby mountainous forest.
It was gathered that joint security teams swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the attackers, who escaped due to the difficult terrain.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Barkin Ladi for medical attention, while additional deployments were sent to the area to prevent further escalation and track down the perpetrators.
The incident comes less than 48 hourz, amid heightened tensions following the reported poisoning of nine cattle in the same local government area.
Earlier, nine cattle were confirmed dead while three others were left in critical condition after a suspected poisoning incident in Rakum village, Kassa District of Barkin Ladi.
Security sources said troops responded at about 1625hrs on April 18 after receiving reports that cattle belonging to one Dauda Jalo had died under suspicious circumstances.
On arrival, nine cattle were found dead, while three others were struggling for survival after allegedly grazing on a substance believed to be poisonous. The livestock were discovered within grazing fields, raising concerns over possible deliberate contamination.
Zagazola reports that the latest killings point to the persistent cycle of tit-for-tat attacks in Plateau, despite ongoing security operations aimed at restoring calm across affected communities.
Security and community sources said herders and farming communities alike have suffered repeated losses, with little deterrence for perpetrators, as attacks are frequently followed by counter-attacks.
Cow rustling, livestock poisoning, and targeted attacks on pastoralist communities have remained the primary triggers of violence, often leading to swift reprisals and further loss of lives.
Across Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Mangu, such incidents have continued almost unabated due to the conspiracy of silence and support criminals groups get from their communities.
There are also growing concerns that both government and some community leaders have often looked the other way, as cycles of violence persist and peace initiatives continue to yield limited results.
Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, while security presence has been reinforced to contain further escalation.
Three Killed in Barkin Ladi Amid Rising Tensions Over Livestock Poisoning in Plateau
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
Yobe: Wali visits Emir of Damaturu
Police Arrest Two Suspected One-Chance Robbery Syndicate Members in Lagos
Fire Razes Building Material Shops in Satellite Town, Lagos
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions5 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
