SAA event in Nigeria on Wed 9th September 2026

Berom Militia attack herders in Plateau, kill 2 fulani herders, shot seven livestock and rustle dozens in unprovoked assault By Zagazola Makama

Armed Berom Militia have allegedly attacked Fulani herders along the Jong–Nyeriwei Road and in Dorowa Babuje community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing at least two people and rustling several cattle.

The incidents, which occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, are the latest in a series of violent attacks and counter-attacks that have continued to fuel tensions between communities in parts of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama said troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to reports of sporadic gunfire around the Jong–Nyeriwei Road at about 1:09 p.m.

According to the sources, troops arrived at the scene and discovered that a group of armed Berom Militia had attacked Fulani herders in the area. During the attack, a 19-year-old herder identified as Ishaku Yakubu, from Jong Village, was reportedly killed. The attackers also shot and killed seven cattle, while a sizeable number of other cattle were allegedly rustled and taken away from the area.

The troops subsequently dominated the general areas of Nyeriwei and Enzom in an effort to locate the rustled livestock and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

In a related incident, troops received a distress call from Dorowa Babuje community in Barkin Ladi at about 2:25 p.m. The troops immediately moved to the area and discovered that a 23-year-old man identified as Andata had been shot dead by armed Fulani youths around Marit Junction, Dorowa Babuje.

Following the incident, troops dominated the general area and commenced efforts to track down the perpetrators. The two incidents occurred within hours of each other, raising fresh concerns over the potential for retaliatory attacks in the affected communities.

The Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace has consequently intensified efforts to prevent reprisal attacks and contain the situation. Security sources said the latest violence draw attention to the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau State, where attacks on herders and livestock theft by Berom Militia have repeatedly triggered retaliatory violence.

The pattern has often involved an initial attack resulting in deaths or destruction of property, followed by a reprisal attack against another community, creating a cycle of violence that is difficult to contain. The security forces are therefore working to prevent the latest incidents from escalating into further attacks, particularly as troops continue to search for the perpetrators and recover the reportedly rustled cattle.

Residents in the affected communities have also been urged to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their hands and provide credible information to security agencies. Security agencies are expected to sustain patrols and surveillance across vulnerable communities and road corridors to prevent further attacks and ensure that those responsible for the killings and cattle rustling are brought to justice.