Troops, stakeholders move to ease tension after unprovoked attack on Fulani herdsmen  by  Irigwue Youth in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops under Operation Safe Haven (OPEP) have intensified efforts to de-escalate tension in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State following a recent incident involving alleged cattle poisoning and attacks on herders by criminals. 

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the Sector 3 Commander convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting at the sector headquarters with Fulani leaders and youth representatives in the aftermath of the incident at Ariri/Kwasha general area.

According to the sources, the commander sympathised with the herders over the loss of their cattle and urged them to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their hands.

“The troops also assured the affected community of ongoing efforts to apprehend those responsible for the act,” the sources said.

They added that the Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area was invited to the meeting and expressed concern over the development, pledging to explore ways of cushioning the losses suffered by the herders.

In a related development, the Sector Commander also reached out to the Paramount Ruler of the Irigwe Chiefdom, the Bra Ngwe Irigwe, to facilitate dialogue and peaceful resolution.

“The traditional ruler indicated that most community leaders were unavailable due to church activities, but a follow-up meeting has been scheduled for April 13 to discuss compensation and further de-escalate tensions between the affected groups,” the sources said.

Meanwhile, troops have continued security operations in the area following reports that suspected Irigwe youths attacked herders grazing cattle in Ariri general area on April 11.

The sources said troops swiftly responded and pursued the attackers into nearby bushes, recovering some of the rustled cattle, while efforts are ongoing to retrieve the remaining livestock.

They added that troops are maintaining dominance in the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Zagazola report that tit for tat attacks had continued despite dialogue by the security agencies. Criminal elements have also intensified attacks on the fulani herdsmen and their livestock, a development security expert said could result to reprisals. 

Zagazola report that no arrest has been made as the criminal youths are carrying out these attacks with support of the local communities.