Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace have rescued an injured farmer and seized 27 cattle after responding to two separate attacks linked to suspected violent herders in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to intelligence sources who spoke with Zagazola Makama, the first incident occurred at about 4:05 pm on August 3, when troops stationed in Komtul received a distress call about an attack on a farmer, Kopdi Istifanus, at his farmland in Maraban Village, Pushit District.
The troops quickly moved to the scene, forcing the suspected herders to flee. The injured farmer was rescued and taken to Miton Clinic in Pushit for treatment.
Later that evening, at about 6:57 pm, troops responded to another report that suspected herders were attacking farmers across the Bwor River in Mangu.
On arrival, the soldiers reportedly found some herders chasing farmers away from their farmlands while carrying knives.
Sources said the situation turned violent when the suspects allegedly attempted to attack the troops with a knife as security personnel worked to restore order.
The troops fired “two rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition” to stop the attackers. The suspects abandoned the knife and fled, leaving their livestock behind.
Security personnel recovered the knife and confiscated 27 cattle belonging to the fleeing suspects for further action.
Troops have continued patrols in the area as efforts are underway to arrest the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks on farming communities.
Troops rescue injured farmer, seize 27 cattle after Plateau attacks