At least five people were killed in two separate attacks on Wednesday in Plateau State, Nigeria. The incidents occurred in the communities of Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas. According to reports, herders, including two women, were killed in Mangu LGA, while farmers were killed in Barkin Ladi LGA.
The herders were allegedly killed during a stop-and-search operation by perpetrators, while the farmers were ambushed and killed on a motorcycle along the Dorowa-Babuje road. This latest incident comes hours after a 13-year-old herder and 36 cattle were killed in Izan village, with the herding community accusing members of the Berom ethnic group of being responsible.
The National President of the Berom Youths Moulders Association, Solomon Dalyop, denied the allegations, stating that the attackers had laid an ambush against natives of Fan District along the Dorowa Babuje-Mangu Road. As a result, two people were confirmed killed, six critically injured, and two others are still missing.
However, the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said that the herders were attacked by assailants who blocked the highway, searched for Fulani, and killed three people, including one man and two women. Both farming and herding communities are accusing each other of being responsible for the latest violence.
The security forces have yet to respond or issue a statement regarding the incident. Former Senator ID Gyang, representing Plateau North, condemned the incidents and called on the warring parties to embrace peace. He urged the security agencies to take necessary steps to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The recent violence highlights the ongoing tensions between farming and herding communities in Plateau State. The incidents have raised concerns about the need for increased security measures and dialogue to resolve the conflicts. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the latest incidents and work towards finding a lasting solution to the violence.