The Nigerian Army has rescued two teenage herders from a mob of youths during an intervention by it’s personnel to curtail the harmful attack by the gang.
The military disclosed that it received an intelligence stating that some youths attempted to assault the herders over claims of grazing on their farmlands, adding that upon receiving the intelligence, it’s troops were mobilised in support by residents who were able to rescue the herders, which stopped the situation from escalating into further violence.
Subsequently, both teenagers were evacuated to a secure location, where they were placed under protection to prevent any further threat to their safety.
It was gathered on Friday that the incident occurred at Rim Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, at about 1 p.m. yesterday.
A community member aware of the development said the military’s swift intervention had helped prevent the incident from developing into a wider confrontation.
“The timely response prevented a dangerous situation from escalating and protected the lives of the affected herders,” the community member said.
Meanwhile, the community source who requested anonymity alleged that the youths who wanted to assault the teenagers were members of the Berom community, although investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances that led to the attempted attack.
The Guild, however, reports that the Army’s intervention is expected to further underscore the importance of rapid security responses in communities affected by recurring tensions between farmers, herders and other local groups.