Three Killed in Barkin Ladi Amid Rising Tensions Over Livestock Poisoning in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Three persons have been killed in an attack on Hurum village in Tenti District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what sources described as a retaliatory incident linked to the earlier poisoning of nine livestock by Berom militia in the area.

Zagazola report that the victims were identified as Clement Polycarp, 35; Pankat Moses, 32; and Jonathan Danladi, 12, all residents of Hurum village. Two other persons sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the late-night attack, which occurred at about 2200hrs.

Security sources said armed men stormed the community and opened fire on residents before fleeing into a nearby mountainous forest.
It was gathered that joint security teams swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the attackers, who escaped due to the difficult terrain.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Barkin Ladi for medical attention, while additional deployments were sent to the area to prevent further escalation and track down the perpetrators.

The incident comes less than 48 hourz, amid heightened tensions following the reported poisoning of nine cattle in the same local government area.

Earlier, nine cattle were confirmed dead while three others were left in critical condition after a suspected poisoning incident in Rakum village, Kassa District of Barkin Ladi.

Security sources said troops responded at about 1625hrs on April 18 after receiving reports that cattle belonging to one Dauda Jalo had died under suspicious circumstances.

On arrival, nine cattle were found dead, while three others were struggling for survival after allegedly grazing on a substance believed to be poisonous. The livestock were discovered within grazing fields, raising concerns over possible deliberate contamination.

Zagazola reports that the latest killings point to the persistent cycle of tit-for-tat attacks in Plateau, despite ongoing security operations aimed at restoring calm across affected communities.

Security and community sources said herders and farming communities alike have suffered repeated losses, with little deterrence for perpetrators, as attacks are frequently followed by counter-attacks.

Cow rustling, livestock poisoning, and targeted attacks on pastoralist communities have remained the primary triggers of violence, often leading to swift reprisals and further loss of lives.

Across Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Mangu, such incidents have continued almost unabated due to the conspiracy of silence and support criminals groups get from their communities.

There are also growing concerns that both government and some community leaders have often looked the other way, as cycles of violence persist and peace initiatives continue to yield limited results.

Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, while security presence has been reinforced to contain further escalation.