Three locals reported dead after suspected reprisal attack in Plateau

Three locals were reportedly found dead following a suspected reprisal attack in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to security analyst, Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred at about 12:40am on September 25, when troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, OPEP, responded to reports of sporadic gunshots in the community.

The troops reportedly forced the attackers to flee before searching the area, where three bodies were recovered.

The victims were identified as Ishaya Pam, 48; Barnabas Gyang, 27; and Daniel Mutuwal, 30.

An AK-47 rifle loaded with nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition was also reportedly recovered after being abandoned at the scene.

The attack occurred hours after a Fulani herder was reportedly killed and livestock allegedly rustled around the boundary between Barkin Ladi and Mangu local government areas.

According to the report, Security sources reportedly suspected the attackers in Kassa of being Fulani militias acting in reprisal for the earlier incident.

“The troops’ swift intervention reportedly forced the gunmen to flee the area,” Makama reported.