Three Locals killed in Kassa in Reprisal to killing of fulani herder, rustling of 30 livestock, 10 sheep along Barkin Ladi–Mangu axis
By: Zagazola Makama
The security situation along the Barkin Ladi–Mangu axis of Plateau State has escalated following a fresh attack in Kassa village that left three locals dead, coming hours after a Fulani herder was killed by Berom Militia and 40 animals were reportedly rustled in the area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest incident occurred at about 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 25, when troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to reports of sporadic shootings in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The troops’ swift intervention reportedly forced the gunmen, suspected by security sources to be Fulani militias, to flee the area.
A search of the location led to the recovery of three bodies identified as Ishaya Pam, 48; Barnabas Gyang, 27; and Daniel Mutuwal, 30.
The troops also recovered an abandoned AK-47 rifle loaded with nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition at the scene.
The Kassa attack occurred shortly after another incident around the boundary between Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas, where a Fulani herder was killed and livestock were reportedly rustled by Berom Militiamen.
In that earlier incident, troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Gyambwas, responded at about 3:55 p.m. on Sept. 24 to a report of cattle rustling and an attack on a herder.
On arrival at the location, the troops discovered the body of a 24-year-old herder identified as Abubakar Mudi, who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Other herders told the troops that about 30 cows and 10 sheep were suspected to have been taken by the attackers during the incident.
Security sources said the attackers were suspected to be members of a Berom militia group, although investigations are ongoing to establish the identities and motives of those responsible.
The troops have since commenced tracking operations to locate the suspected rustlers, recover the stolen livestock and arrest the perpetrators.
Security personnel and local vigilantes have also intensified patrols and offensive operations across the affected areas following the two incidents.
The sequence of attacks highlights the retaliatory nature of violence along parts of the Barkin Ladi–Mangu corridor, where attacks on communities and herders, livestock rustling and reprisal killings can rapidly trigger further violence.
Troops said they are intensifying efforts to prevent further retaliatory attacks.
