Angry youths, women attack soldiers, burn military checkpoint in Plateau over killing of villager

By: Zagazola Makama

Tension rose in Kassa community of Kassa District, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, as angry youths and women on Sunday attacked soldiers and set ablaze a military checkpoint following the burial of a resident reportedly killed by Fulani armed attackers.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:40 p.m. on April 20 when a crowd stormed a checkpoint at Rapung Kassa and destroyed the facility, including makeshift structures and equipment used by troops deployed in the area.

The attack reportedly happened during the burial ceremony of one Gyang Nuhu Choji, who was said to have been killed on April 16 by unidentified armed men suspected to be Fulani bandits operating within the general area.

Witnesses said the protesters, made up of youths and women, accused security operatives of failing to prevent repeated attacks in the community, alleging that the presence of troops had not translated into adequate protection for residents.

The angry mob reportedly blocked access roads during the protest, temporarily disrupting movement in and out of the area before later reopening the route to motorists after intervention by local stakeholders and assurances from security representatives.

A community source said calm was eventually restored after engagements between community leaders and security authorities, during which assurances were given that the situation would be reviewed to prevent further escalation.

Security sources confirmed that no casualties were recorded during the incident, adding that monitoring and patrols had been intensified in the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Zagazola report that the Plateau State security environment has remained volatile in recent months, with recurring incidents of violence prompting continued deployment of security forces and community-level engagements aimed at restoring lasting peace.

Security assessments have indicated a pattern of violence involving Fulani bandits and armed elements of the Berom where both groups had sustained their campaign of terror.

The recent pattern of attacks was traced to April 13 at about 0700 hrs, when troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), conducted a search-and-rescue operation in Ariri and Kwasha villages of Bassa LGA following reports of a missing herder. During the operation, troops discovered the corpse of the herder and recovered 32 cattle alive, while three others were found dead. The remains and livestock were handed over to community leaders.

On the same day, troops also responded to intelligence on an illegal settlers’ camp in Ungwan Doki, Riyom LGA, where four suspected illegal migrants were arrested.

On April 12, at about 1440 hrs, troops restored calm after a clash between farmers and herders in Rakum village, Barkin Ladi LGA. Five locals, two herders, and a police officer sustained injuries after being attacked by Berom militia, while one suspect was arrested.

Earlier at about 1222 hrs in Rasa village, troops foiled another attack on a herder by suspected armed Berom elements and evacuated the injured victim to hospital. At about 2100 hrs, troops responded to sporadic gunfire along Hukke–Rewienko road in Bassa LGA, repelling attackers and rescuing an injured civilian.

In a related development, at about 1800 hrs, troops foiled an attempted cattle rustling incident in Kpashio village, recovering 92 cattle reportedly abandoned by fleeing suspects. The owner of the livestock was either killed and buried in a shallow grave or escaped the assault.

Within the same period, armed Berom militia engaged troops of Operation Enduring Peace in a heavy gun battle in Barkin Ladi. The troops gunned down five of the attackers. Later that same day, the corpses were hastily buried by the community to avoid scrutiny due to the identity of the attackers.

On April 18, 2026, troops intercepted and apprehended nine suspected Berom militia involved in targeted killing. Those arrested were identified as Mr. Gyang Dantoro, Mr. Samson Davou, Mr. Choji Yakubu, Mr. Vincent Adamu, Mr. Pam Dalyop, Mr. Femi Badung, Mr. Jacob Musa and Mr. Choji Chaga, all residents of Danwal and reportedly of Berom extraction.

Items recovered from them include three motorcycles, one pistol, one submachine gun, one locally made revolver rifle, 20 rounds of pistol ammunition, and one locally fabricated rifle, among other items.

On April 19, nine cattle were confirmed dead while three others are in critical condition following a suspected poisoning by Berom youths in Rakum village, Kassa District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Angry youths, women attack soldiers, burn military checkpoint in Plateau over killing of villager

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

Troops arrest suspected terrorist in Kaduna, cite internal clashes among bandit leaders

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have arrested a suspected terrorist at a forward operating base in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, amid reports of internal clashes among armed groups in parts of the state.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 6:45 p.m. on April 16, 2026, by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Afaka.

According to the sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had fled a terrorist camp in Sabon Birni due to ongoing violent clashes between rival group leaders identified as Dogo Gide and Kabiru.

The sources added that the clashes were said to be taking place along the Kachia–Kagarko–Chikun local government areas corridor, an area known for recurring security challenges.

The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue to verify claims and gather further intelligence on the activities and structure of the armed groups.

Security sources noted that the development indicates possible fractures within criminal networks, which could be exploited to degrade their operational capacity.

Troops arrest suspected terrorist in Kaduna, cite internal clashes among bandit leaders