Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an attempted reprisal attack on a Fulani settlement in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting two suspects and preventing what security sources described as a potential escalation of communal violence.
Security sources told counter terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, that the incident occurred at about 11:23 a.m. on July 27, when troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, deployed in Jengre, responded to a distress call reporting an attempted attack on a Fulani settlement in Pandauda Community.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations indicated that the planned attack was intended as a reprisal following the killing of a civilian who was allegedly attacked by suspected herders after refusing to allow them graze cattle on his farmland.
“Troops responded swiftly to the distress report and successfully prevented the situation from escalating into a wider communal conflict,” a security source said.
The sources disclosed that two suspects were arrested during the operation and were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Jengre Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The suspects have been transferred to the police for further investigation and necessary legal action,” the source added.
Military sources said troops have continued to maintain a strong security presence in the affected area to forestall any breakdown of law and order while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
“Security personnel remain deployed in the community to prevent any further reprisals and ensure the safety of residents as investigations progress,” the source said.
The successful intervention, according to military sources, underscores the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to preventing retaliatory attacks, protecting vulnerable communities and sustaining peace in Plateau State amid recurring tensions between farming and herding communities.
