Troops Intercept Fulani Bandits, Recover 10 Motorcycles, Arrest Suspect as Violence and Killings Persist in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered 10 motorcycles from suspected Fulani militants in Kwok area of Plateau State, following a pursuit operation linked to ongoing security incidents in the region.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 4 acted on earlier operational reports and intercepted a group of suspected militants riding on motorcycles at about 8:35 p.m. on May 9.
According to the sources, the troops engaged in a hot pursuit, forcing the suspects to abandon about 10 motorcycles before fleeing into nearby bushes.
The recovered motorcycles were subsequently taken to Sector 4 Headquarters for further investigation.
The sources added that troops had established ambush positions within the general area to track the fleeing suspects and prevent possible regrouping or further attacks.
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In a separate operation, a Berom youth was arrested at Katarko during a routine security patrol after being found in possession of a locally fabricated firearm. The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.
Meanwhile, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, one Mr. Peter Ojo was reportedly killed by unknown gunmen who attacked him in his compound. Security sources said investigations had commenced to determine those responsible for the killing.
Sources said troops have intensified patrols, surveillance operations and intelligence-driven deployments across affected communities to contain rising insecurity and prevent further escalation of violence.
Zagazola report that the fragile peace was disrupted when Berom Militia attacked and killed a Fulani youth in Rakum community of Plateau State which triggered an immediate counter-attack in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, resulting in the death of two Berom natives.
In several cases, initial killings have rapidly escalated into wider confrontations, as armed youths mobilise across community lines, sometimes before security forces can fully stabilise the situation. This has made containment efforts difficult despite sustained deployment of troops and other security agencies.