Militia Attacks Troops in Plateau, Soldier Injured in Barkin Ladi
A soldier attached to Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) has sustained serious injuries following an attack by suspected armed militia in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid renewed violence targeting security personnel and civilians across parts of the state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:50 p.m. on May 10 in Dorowa Tsoho community, Barkin Ladi LGA.
The injured officer, identified as Warrant Officer Rex Okang, was reportedly attacked while carrying out official duties alongside another soldier within the community.
“He sustained serious injuries during the attack and was immediately evacuated to Barkin Ladi General Hospital for urgent medical treatment,” a security source disclosed.
The latest attack occurred only hours after troops of Sector 3 and Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace successfully repelled a separate ambush by suspected armed militia during a response operation in Jos South Local Government Area.
According to security sources, troops had earlier received reports of gunfire around the Gero area at approximately 1:00 p.m. and swiftly mobilised to reinforce personnel already deployed in the location.
While attempting to link up with advancing troops, the soldiers reportedly came under a coordinated ambush from armed attackers positioned along surrounding hills and mountainous terrain.
Read Also:
Troops, however, responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to retreat toward Nyango and Daron communities.
Following the operation, security personnel confirmed that nine cows were killed while five others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
A herder identified as Aliyu Yusuf also suffered gunshot wounds and was evacuated for medical treatment.
Sources disclosed that troops have since intensified pursuit operations across the affected areas to track fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
The incidents form part of a broader pattern of escalating attacks targeting both civilians and security personnel in volatile communities across Plateau State in recent weeks.
Earlier in Mangu Local Government Area, troops deployed to restore order during unrest linked to illegal mining activities also came under deadly attack by armed youths, resulting in the killing of a senior Nigerian Army officer.
During follow-up operations, troops reportedly neutralised two suspected attackers and recovered weapons from the area.
Military authorities said security forces have intensified fighting patrols, stop-and-search operations and confidence-building patrols across vulnerable communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South and Mangu LGAs in efforts to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The operations are concentrated in flashpoint areas including Jol, Gana Ropp, Kassa Road, Rakung, Katako, Kwok, Dorowa and adjoining communities.
According to military sources, the overall security situation remains calm but fluid, while troops have been placed on maximum alert to respond swiftly to emerging threats and distress calls across the state.
