Fresh violence erupted in Plateau State after suspected armed Berom militias launched deadly attacks on troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) in Barkin Ladi and Jos South Local Government Areas, leaving a soldier seriously injured and several cattle killed.
Security sources disclosed that the latest attack occurred at about 6:50 p.m. on May 10 in Dorowa Tsoho community of Barkin Ladi LGA, where a soldier attached to OPEP, identified as Warrant Officer Rex Okang, came under assault while on official duty.
The attackers, believed to be armed militia members, reportedly ambushed the soldier and his colleague within the community, inflicting severe injuries on the warrant officer before fleeing the scene.
“He sustained serious injuries during the attack and was immediately evacuated to Barkin Ladi General Hospital for urgent medical attention,” a security source revealed.
The incident came barely hours after troops of Sector 3 and Sector 6 OPEP successfully repelled another ambush by suspected militias during a military response operation in Jos South LGA.
According to sources, troops had mobilised following reports of gunfire around the Gero axis at about 1:00 p.m. after suspected attackers targeted herders and cattle in the area.
However, while attempting to reinforce advancing personnel, the troops reportedly walked into a coordinated ambush staged from surrounding hills and rocky terrain.
Military sources said the soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat toward Nyango and Daron communities.
Following the clash, security operatives confirmed that nine cows were killed while five others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
A herder identified as Aliyu Yusuf was also reportedly shot and rushed for medical treatment.
Troops have since launched aggressive pursuit operations across affected communities to track down fleeing suspects and prevent further violence.
The latest attacks add to the growing wave of insecurity rocking Plateau communities in recent weeks, where both civilians and security personnel have increasingly come under assault.
In a related development, troops deployed earlier to Mangu LGA to contain unrest linked to illegal mining activities were also attacked by armed youths, resulting in the killing of a senior Nigerian Army officer.
Military authorities later confirmed that two suspected attackers were neutralised during follow-up operations, while weapons were recovered from the area.
Security officials said troops have now intensified fighting patrols, stop-and-search operations, and confidence-building patrols across volatile communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, and Mangu LGAs.
The operations are covering flashpoints including Jol, Gana Ropp, Kassa Road, Rakung, Katako, Kwok, Dorowa, and surrounding settlements as security forces move to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Military sources, however, described the security situation as “calm but fluid,” stressing that troops remain on maximum alert to respond swiftly to emerging threats and distress calls across the state.
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