At least two people have been killed in separate attacks involving Fulani herders and armed Berom militia in Plateau State, while several cattle were reportedly rustled.
The violence occurred within hours of each other on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, along the Jong–Nyeriwei Road and around Dorowa Babuje.
Security sources said troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), were alerted to sporadic gunshots along the Jong–Nyeriwei Road at about 1:09 p.m.
When the troops reached the area, they found that armed Berom militia had allegedly attacked Fulani herders.
A 19-year-old herder, Ishaku Yakubu, from Jong Village, was killed in the assault.
Seven cattle were also reportedly shot dead during the attack, while an unspecified number of other livestock were taken away by the attackers.
Troops subsequently moved into Nyeriwei and Enzom communities to search for the missing cattle and pursue those suspected to be behind the attack.
A separate attack was later reported in Dorowa Babuje at about 2:25 p.m., prompting another rapid response by the security forces.
The troops arrived at the area around Marit Junction and found that a 23-year-old man identified as Andata had been shot dead by suspected armed Fulani youths.
Security personnel immediately deployed around the community and began efforts to track the suspected attackers.
The two incidents have heightened concerns that the violence could trigger retaliatory attacks in neighbouring communities.
The headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace has therefore stepped up security measures in the affected areas to prevent the situation from escalating.
Security sources warned that the latest incidents reflect the fragile security environment in parts of Plateau, where attacks, cattle rustling and reprisal violence have continued to deepen tensions between communities.
The recurring pattern often begins with an attack that leaves casualties or property destroyed, followed by retaliation from another group. Security agencies are now working to break that cycle before the latest incidents lead to further bloodshed.
Troops are continuing patrols and surveillance along vulnerable routes and communities while efforts are ongoing to recover the rustled cattle and identify those responsible.
Residents have also been urged to remain calm, avoid reprisals and provide useful information to security agencies to help prevent further attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.