Suspected herders kill ‘four children’ in Plateau reprisal attack

At least four children have been reportedly killed in a reprisal attack in Dorong village, Foron district of Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication based in the Lake Chad region, said the attack occurred on Thursday morning.

Citing sources, Makama said the attack was allegedly carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen amid rising tensions linked to cattle rustling and violence against herders in the area.

The publication noted that the victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isa’ac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.

Makama said the incident happened less than 48 hours after coordinated attacks on pastoral communities in Barkin Ladi, Jos East and Riyom LGAs, where at least 168 cattle were reportedly rustled and several others poisoned.

According to the publication, residents had been living in fear following the cattle rustling incidents.

Makama said security operatives had been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation and restore calm.

“The atmosphere has been tense. People warned that reprisals were imminent if nothing was done. Sadly, those fears have now materialised,” a source told the publication.