Gunmen Kill Three Herders in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, Renewing Fears of Escalating Rural Violence
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Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
Three herders have been killed in a late-night attack in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, deepening concerns over persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. The killings occurred on Thursday night, according to local officials of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), who confirmed that the victims were members of the pastoral list community. Community sources described the assault as sudden and coordinated, although the identities of the attackers remain unknown at the time of filing this report. Barkin Ladi, a flashpoint area within Plateau State, has experienced recurring cycles of violence involving farming and herding communities over the past decade. While initial reports suggest the victims were ambushed by gunmen, security agencies have yet to issue a detailed statement clarifying the circumstances or possible motives behind the attack. Rising insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central geopolitical zone, has long grappled with complex conflicts rooted in land use disputes, ethno-religious tensions, and competition over natural resources. Barkin Ladi, in particular, has witnessed repeated clashes that have claimed dozens of lives in recent years. Incidents of targeted killings in rural communities have drawn sustained attention from both local authorities and international observers. Nigeria’s broader security landscape—marked by banditry in the North-West, insurgency in the North-East, and communal violence in parts of the Middle Belt—continues to strain security resources and deepen humanitarian concerns. Reputable media outlets including Premium Times, Daily Trust, and Channels Television have consistently reported on recurring violence in Plateau State, highlighting the urgent need for durable peacebuilding frameworks and improved community-based security mechanisms. Calls for investigation and protection community leaders and advocacy groups have called for a thorough investigation into the latest killings and for strengthened security patrols across vulnerable rural settlements. MACBAN representatives urged authorities to ensure justice for the victims and to implement preventive measures to forestall retaliatory attacks that could inflame tensions. As of press time, no arrests had been announced. Security agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation. The latest attack underscores the fragility of peace in Plateau State and the urgent imperative for coordinated state and federal responses aimed at safeguarding lives, rebuilding trust among communities, and addressing the structural drivers of conflict. Sources Premium Times;Daily Trust; Channels Television.
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