Four children were reportedly killed in a reprisal attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, following allegations of cattle rustling.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the incident on his X handle on Saturday, said the attack occurred on Thursday, less than 48 hours after armed local militias allegedly attacked pastoral communities and made away with dozens of cattle.
The victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isaac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.
According to Makama, the killings followed coordinated attacks on herders in Barkin Ladi, Jos East and Riyom local government areas, during which at least 168 cattle were reportedly rustled and several others poisoned.
He said that on Wednesday evening, militias allegedly stole 137 cattle from Nding community in Fan District of Barkin Ladi, while 34 others were taken from Kukukah community in Jos East, with only three later recovered.
Makama added that less than 24 hours later, nine cows reportedly died after grazing on poisoned substances around Kwi village in Riyom Local Government Area, further escalating tensions.
A community leader in Foron District, who spoke anonymously, said the attack was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, noting that residents had feared reprisals since the cattle rustling incidents.
“The atmosphere has been tense. People were warned that reprisals were imminent if nothing was done, and sadly, those fears have now materialised,” the community leader was quoted as saying.
Makama said troops and other security operatives have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence, urging the Plateau State Government and security agencies to arrest perpetrators on all sides and address the root causes of the recurring attacks.
He warned that without decisive action, including accountability for cattle rustling, livestock poisoning and retaliatory violence, the state risks another cycle of reprisals that continues to claim innocent lives, especially women and children.
