Tragedy struck Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday as four children were killed in what security sources described as a reprisal attack linked to alleged cattle rustling.
The victims, all minors, were reportedly attacked in the early hours of the day, less than 48 hours after a series of violent incidents involving pastoral communities across parts of Barkin Ladi, Jos East and Riyom local government areas.
A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, disclosed via social media that the attack followed earlier assaults on herders during which dozens of cattle were rustled and others poisoned, fuelling tension across the affected communities.
According to the account, suspected local militias had earlier opened fire on herders and made away with over 160 cows in coordinated operations. In Barkin Ladi alone, more than 130 cattle were reportedly rustled around the Nding area of Fan District, while additional livestock were driven away from communities in Jos East. In Riyom, several cows were said to have died after grazing on poisoned fields.
A community leader in Foron District, who spoke under anonymity, said residents had lived in fear following the earlier attacks, amid warnings that reprisals were likely.
“The atmosphere had been charged for days. People were afraid because there were threats that retaliation would follow if nothing was done. Sadly, those fears have now been realised,” the source said.
