Suspected militias kill four soldier, commuters; injure two in Plateau ambush

Suspected militias have ambushed commuters along the road leading to Belsho community in Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing four people, including a Nigerian Army soldier, and injuring two others.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, in a post on X on Monday, quoted security sources as saying that the attack occurred at about 7:26 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, when suspected militias opened fire on commuters along the route.

He said, “Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, OPEP, deployed at Sho, swiftly responded to the report and moved to the scene.”

On arrival, he added, the troops discovered four victims who had been shot dead and two others with gunshot wounds, while the assailants had fled.

Makama explained that during an examination of the scene, the troops identified one of the deceased as a Nigerian Army personnel who was reportedly returning to his base when he was caught in the attack.

He added that the two injured victims were evacuated to General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical attention.

Following the incident, the security analyst said the troops commenced offensive operations and launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers.

He noted that although locals blamed the attack on Fulani herders, their alleged involvement had not been independently established.

Sources said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the ambush and identify those responsible.

The attack represents another deadly assault on commuters along the volatile Barkin Ladi axis, as security forces intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and prevent further violence.