A dispute over alleged forceful grazing by suspected herders has claimed the life of a farmer in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The farmer was reportedly killed on July 20 at about 3:30 p.m. in Larpia community after confronting the suspected herders for allegedly attempting to graze their cattle on his tomato farm.
Security sources said troops of Sector 8 of Operation Enduring Peace, based in Pushit, swiftly responded to a distress call alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
On reaching the scene, security personnel found the farmer dead. Preliminary investigations suggested that the fatal attack followed an argument over the grazing of cattle on the victim’s farmland.
A military source, who confirmed the incident yesterday, said the killing sparked outrage among youths in the community. The youths reportedly mobilised in pursuit of the suspected attackers, forcing them to abandon 15 cattle before escaping.
The deceased’s body was subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital in Pankshin, while the recovered cattle were taken into the custody of the Larpia Police Division.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the killing and are making efforts to track down the fleeing suspects. Security operatives have also intensified measures to prevent retaliatory attacks and maintain calm in the community.
“We are working to identify and apprehend those responsible. Measures have also been put in place to ensure the situation does not escalate,” the military source said.