18-Year-Old Herder Killed in Bassa, Suspected Irigwe Assailants Blamed

By Zagazola Makama

An 18-year-old herder, identified as Sani Ibrahim, has been killed while grazing livestock around Merimeli Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, with suspected Irigwe assailants blamed for the attack.

The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, around the Kwachudu/Jebbu Miango axis.

A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Jebbu Miango, responded to a report of an attack and killing of a herder while he was grazing around Merimeli Village.

Upon arrival at the scene, the troops found Ibrahim’s lifeless body bearing gunshot wounds and machete cuts, suggesting that the victim had been attacked with both firearms and a sharp weapon.

The assailants had fled the area before the arrival of the troops.

Other herders who were in the company of the deceased reportedly escaped unharmed during the attack.

While preliminary accounts from the area pointed to suspected Irigwe elements as being responsible, the military sources said the identities and motives of the attackers had not been conclusively established, with investigation ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.

The deceased’s remains were recovered from the scene and subsequently taken for burial by his family members.

Following the incident, troops intensified fighting patrols around the general area to prevent further attacks and deter possible reprisal violence.

The killing comes amid longstanding tensions between farming and herding communities in parts of Plateau State, where isolated attacks have continued to pose security challenges and threaten fragile peace in affected communities.

18-Year-Old Herder Killed in Bassa, Suspected Irigwe Assailants Blamed

One Killed As Troops Foil Fulani Bandits Attack on Nyerwai, Rayidi Communities in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack by Fulani Bandits on Nyerwai and Rayidi communities in Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:05 p.m. on August 12, 2026, when troops deployed at Dorowa Babuje responded to reports of sporadic shootings in the two communities.

Upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered the lifeless body of a 37-year-old man identified as Danya Nuhu.

The troops also rescued 28-year-old Abednego Davou, who had sustained gunshot wounds, alongside three cattle that were also injured by gunfire.

Preliminary findings indicated that the attack was carried out by suspected armed militias, who fled into the surrounding area upon sighting the advancing troops.

The injured victim was evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing attackers.

The military has continued to intensify patrols across the Operation Enduring Peace Joint Operations Area, particularly around vulnerable communities, schools, places of worship and other critical national infrastructure, to prevent further attacks and maintain security.

One Killed As Troops Foil Fulani Bandits Attack on Nyerwai, Rayidi Communities in Plateau

Criminal Tiv Militia Kill Dangote Truck Driver, Woman in Benue

By Zagazola Makama

A Dangote truck driver and a woman have been killed by suspected criminal militia operating along the Kyado–Jootar road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims were reportedly found dead inside a Dangote truck during a night fighting patrol by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE.

A security source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about midnight on August 13, 2026, when troops conducting a night patrol along the Kyado–Jootar road discovered two lifeless bodies inside a Dangote truck with registration number OPL-1B-029 at Igbayima.

Preliminary findings indicated that the victims had been killed by a gang of suspected criminal Tiv militias believed to be involved in kidnapping for ransom in the area.

The identity of the woman and further details about the circumstances surrounding her presence in the truck were not immediately available.

The troops also recovered 11 empty casings of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the scene, indicating that firearms were used in the attack.

Following the discovery, the bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the mortuary in Kyado, while the incident was formally reported to the police for further investigation.

Troops are currently working to track down the perpetrators.

The attack point to the grim situation where commercial vehicles and other road users travelling along the Kyado–Jootar axis, where criminal Tiv elements have reportedly continued to target commuters and motorists.

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE are expected to sustain night fighting patrols and other security operations along the route to track down the perpetrators, prevent further attacks and reassure residents and road users of their safety.

Criminal Tiv Militia Kill Dangote Truck Driver, Woman in Benue