12 Killed in Fresh Attacks in Plateau, Benue as Army Warns of Cattle Influx Threat

12 Killed in Fresh Attacks in Plateau, Benue as Army Warns of Cattle Influx Threat

Twelve people were confirmed dead on Monday following renewed violence in Plateau and Benue states. The attacks occurred in Marit and Gashish communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State and Iwendyer, Tombo Ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Gunmen invaded the Plateau communities, firing indiscriminately and leaving several residents injured. In Benue, suspected herdsmen reportedly killed six farmers during an evening raid on Kurudu and Chilla communities around 9 pm.

Chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA, Stephen Pwajok Gyang, confirmed the Plateau attack in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Mercy Yop Chuwang. He condemned the killings and paid a visit to victims receiving treatment at the Barkin Ladi General Hospital.

Pwajok expressed concern over the resurgence of violence despite ongoing efforts to promote peace and urged security personnel and local vigilantes to intensify their surveillance and response mechanisms.

In Benue, eyewitness Terna Amee told Journalists that residents had anticipated the attack for weeks and alerted security agencies.

“We reported to security agencies who assured us that nothing would happen. However, on Monday night armed herdsmen stormed our communities, killed six persons unchallenged and escaped,” he said.

Tombo Ward has reportedly suffered herdsmen attacks for over two decades. The Logo Divisional Police Station in Ugba confirmed the latest incident and said investigations were underway.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has raised an alarm over the growing movement of cattle into Plateau’s farming communities, warning of potential conflict between herders and farmers as the planting season progresses.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Barkin Ladi, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Oyinlola, emphasized the urgent need for community-based conflict resolution.

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“While celebrating this progress made in Barkin Ladi, we must face the unfolding realities in the local government area. I must express the concerns of security agencies about recent developments in parts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. In particular, there is the growing unease about the influx of large number of cattle into farming communities. While the movement of livestock in Barkin Ladi and indeed Plateau State is not unusual, the scale and timings of these influx raises legitimate security concerns,” he said.

“Unfortunately, this development has already resulted in adverse outcomes including farm destructions, isolated attacks and attacks on livestock. The impact of these adverse outcomes on food security, economic stability and social harmony cannot be over emphasised.

“We cannot afford to ignore these early warning signs. We must act together to ensure Barkin Ladi does not slide into avoidable conflicts.”