From Yakubu Wuyep,Jos
The Plateau State Government has foiled a fresh attack after two people were reportedly killed in separate incidents involving Fulani herders and armed youths.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, along the Jong–Nyeriwei Road and in Dorowa Babuje community, according to security sources, has raised concerns over possible reprisal attacks in the state.
The first incident was reported around 1:09 p.m., when troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to reports of sporadic gunfire along the Jong–Nyeriwei Road.
Upon arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that armed Berom militia had attacked Fulani herders. A 19-year-old herder identified as Ishaku Yakubu, a resident of Jong Village, was allegedly killed during the attack.
Seven cattle were also reportedly shot dead, while several other animals were allegedly rustled and taken away by the attackers.
Troops subsequently moved into Nyeriwei and Enzom areas as part of efforts to recover the missing cattle and track down those responsible.
Barely over an hour later, another distress call was received from Dorowa Babuje at about 2:25 p.m.
Security personnel deployed to the area reportedly found the body of a 23-year-old man, identified as Andata, who had allegedly been shot around Marit Junction by armed Fulani youths.
The back-to-back incidents have heightened fears that the killings could trigger further violence between communities, particularly given the history of retaliatory attacks in parts of Plateau State.
Rather than allowing the latest incidents to escalate, Operation Enduring Peace has intensified patrols and surveillance around vulnerable communities and road corridors in the affected areas.
Security personnel are also working to trace the suspected perpetrators and recover the cattles reportedly rustled during the first attack.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory action, stressing the importance of providing security agencies with credible information that could assist in identifying and arresting those responsible.
The latest developments underscore the continuing security challenges in parts of Plateau State, where disputes involving communities, attacks on residents and livestock rustling have repeatedly threatened to trigger wider communal violence.
Security forces are expected to maintain increased presence in the affected areas to prevent further attacks and contain any attempt to exploit the latest incidents for reprisal violence.