A gang of gunmen has killed two young herders during a devastating attack on a community in Plateau State, causing massive grief on residents in the area.
The terrorists, in two separate attacks on the area fired gunshots and which look led to the death of the duo identified, one of them identified as a 19-year-old Ishaku Yakubu, while the second was identified as 23-year-old Andata, also no fewer than seven cattles killed and several others were reportedly taken away by the attackers.
Reports state that the gunmen ambushed the the area identified as Doroma Babuje in Barkin Ladi local government on Thursday, a security source disclosing that troops of the Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to reports of the mishap and met bodies of the deceased upon arrival.
The source said the attackers also took away an unspecified number of other livestock, adding that the troops subsequently moved into Nyeriwei and Enzom areas to search for the stolen cattle and track perpetrators of the mishap.
Military personnel reportedly later took control of the area and began efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the killing.
The two incidents occurred only hours apart, raising concerns about possible retaliatory violence.
Meanwhile, the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace has since stepped up measures to prevent the attacks from triggering further clashes between communities.
The security source added that the incidents reflected the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau, where attacks involving herders, livestock theft and retaliatory violence have continued to create tension.
Troops are expected to maintain patrols and surveillance around vulnerable communities and major road corridors while efforts continue to recover the rustled cattle and arrest the perpetrators.
Residents have also been urged to remain calm, avoid reprisals and provide security agencies with useful information that could assist investigations and prevent further violence.