Tension in Plateau as youths block road, kill four after attack by suspected Fulani gunmen

By: Zagazola Makama 

Four persons have been reportedly killed after youths suspected to be local indigenes blocked a road and attacked travellers along Nding axis of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, shortly after an earlier reprisal assault in which gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias killed seven residents in Dorowa Babuje village.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred when a passenger Opel Vectra vehicle conveying civilians was intercepted by a group of youths who mounted a road blockade along Nding road.

The assailants reportedly selected and attacked occupants of the vehicle, killing four persons on the spot.

Security forces  later confirmed that five corpses were transported to Jos North, indicating that one additional victim may have died from injuries sustained during the attack.

Two of the victims were identified as indigenes of Jos North, a development that has heightened tension in parts of the metropolis, particularly around the Terminus and Gangare areas where residents expressed concern over possible reprisals.

The sources believe the Nding road incident may have been a retaliatory action triggered by news of the earlier killings, which spread rapidly across nearby communities before security agencies could fully stabilise the situation.

One security official said the road attack occurred hours after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits on revenge mission opened fire on residents at a local gathering spot in Dorowa Babuje, killing seven persons and injuring two others.

The attacks followed closely on the heels of other deadly attacks recorded within days on fulani communities by attackers  suspected to be Berom militia across Barikin Ladi and Riyom General areas in Plateau state. 

Sources said additional personnel had been deployed to flashpoints across Barkin Ladi and adjoining districts to forestall further violence.

“Joint patrols and stop-and-search operations have also been intensified along major roads and entry routes to prevent escalation and track suspects involved in both incidents,”said the sources. 

Security agencies also warned residents against reprisals or mob actions, stressing that such acts could worsen the fragile security situation.

Community leaders in affected areas have appealed for calm, urging youths to allow security forces to handle investigations.