3 Killed in Barkin Ladi as Tensions Escalate in Plateau Over Livestock Poisoning
At least three persons have been killed in a late-night attack on Hurum village in Tenti District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid escalating tensions linked to a recent livestock poisoning incident.
The victims were identified as Clement Polycarp, 35; Pankat Moses, 32; and Jonathan Danladi, 12, all residents of the community. Two others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, which occurred around 10:00 p.m.
Security sources said armed assailants stormed the village and opened fire on residents before retreating into a nearby mountainous forest. Joint security teams deployed to the scene reportedly engaged the attackers, but the suspects escaped, taking advantage of the difficult terrain.
The injured victims were evacuated to a hospital in Barkin Ladi for treatment, while additional security personnel have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence and track down those responsible.
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The incident occurred less than 48 hours after a suspected case of livestock poisoning in the same local government area. In the earlier development, nine cattle were found dead and three others in critical condition in Rakum village, Kassa District.
According to security sources, troops responded to reports on April 18 involving cattle belonging to a herder, Dauda Jalo, which allegedly died after grazing on a substance suspected to be poisonous. The discovery of the affected livestock in open grazing fields raised concerns about deliberate contamination.
The latest killings underscore a persistent cycle of reprisals in parts of Plateau State, where incidents involving cattle rustling, poisoning, and targeted attacks on both farming and pastoral communities frequently trigger retaliatory violence.
Communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Mangu local government areas have continued to witness recurring clashes despite ongoing security operations. Analysts attribute the sustained violence to weak deterrence, limited accountability, and local dynamics that enable perpetrators to evade justice.
Authorities said investigations into both the attack and the poisoning incident are ongoing, with reinforced security presence aimed at containing further escalation.
