Suspected Herders Kill Four Children in Plateau Reprisal Attack

At least four children have been reportedly killed in a reprisal attack in Dorong village, Foron district of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the attack occurred on Thursday morning amid heightened tension in the area. The assailants were suspected to be armed Fulani herders, with the violence linked to ongoing disputes over cattle rustling and attacks on pastoral communities.

The victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isa’ac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.

The publication reported that the incident happened less than 48 hours after coordinated attacks on pastoral settlements in Barkin Ladi, Jos East and Riyom local government areas, during which at least 168 cattle were allegedly rustled and several others poisoned. These earlier incidents reportedly left residents in fear of possible reprisals.

Security operatives have since been deployed to the affected area to prevent further violence and restore calm. A source quoted by the publication said tension had been building in the community, with repeated warnings that retaliatory attacks were likely if urgent action was not taken, adding that those fears have now been realised.