10 people killed in Plateau State as military steps up operations

Last week, at least 10 people were killed in different attacks across Plateau State. Security forces arrested at least 22 suspects during several operations.

These killings happened even with increased military actions. General Officer Commanding of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Williams Dangana, visited Jong/Nyerwai in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Saturday.

Mr Dangana, who also leads Operation Enduring Peace, went to the community after an attack that left a herder and seven cattle dead. During his visit, he looked at the security situation and urged residents to stay calm and avoid revenge.

The army also thanked Fulani leaders for keeping their members from launching counter-attacks. This visit came at a time of fresh violence in Barkin Ladi and Mangu local government areas. Attacks involving farming and herding communities have caused deaths and forced many to flee their homes.

Two people were killed in different incidents along the Jong-Nyerwai road and at Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi on Wednesday. Security sources identified one victim as Ishaku Yakubu, 19, a herder from Jong.

Another herder, Yakubu Ishaku, was reported killed at Nyerwai in Barkin Ladi on Friday. On Saturday, three young herders were killed at Aloghom in Mangu. Their names are Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15.

Around 50 cattle were also reportedly killed in that attack, according to leaders from the Fulbe Fulani Development Association and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria. In another case in Mangu, Katbam Titus, 29, was killed at Kinat, local sources said.

These recent attacks have raised fears of revenge in communities where farmers and herders have a troubled relationship. These attacks came a few weeks after the Army stepped up operations in Mangu after an August attack that left at least 24 people dead.

Mr Dangana moved his tactical command to Mangu and started Operation Hard Nut. He told troops to work harder against attackers and help restore residents' confidence. The aim was to strengthen security in vulnerable areas and stop further violence.

But the ongoing killings raise doubts about security agencies’ ability to detect and stop attacks before they happen. The Army keeps urging residents to give reliable information and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

Security forces also reported several arrests during different operations in Plateau last week. On September 7, troops arrested five suspected criminals in Jos East during a raid on known hideouts.

The next day, they arrested 14 more suspected criminals during another operation in the state. In Barkin Ladi, soldiers arrested three suspects after the killing of 17-year-old Peter Gyang at Kafi-Abu village. These arrests were made during an operation linked to that attack.

This brings the total number of arrests during security operations in Plateau State last week to at least 22. It is important to understand that this number does not mean that all 22 suspects were arrested for the recent killings. The arrests came from various security actions.

These events show the ongoing security issues in Plateau, where land disputes, farming, grazing, and old community grievances often lead to deadly clashes. Even with more military presence, the ongoing violence adds pressure on security agencies to find culprits, prevent revenge, and keep protecting vulnerable communities.

For people living in affected areas, the main focus is on protecting lives, property, and livelihoods. The latest incidents will also test how effective the military’s new strategy is in Mangu and other areas with high conflict in Plateau. Communities want consistent security, not just reactions after attacks.