A soldier attached to Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) has been seriously injured following an attack by suspected armed Berom militia in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid rising security tensions across parts of the state.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:50 p.m. on May 10 at Dorowa Tsoho community in Barkin Ladi LGA.
The injured soldier, identified as Warrant Officer Rex Okang, was reportedly attacked while carrying out official duties alongside another soldier within the community.
According to sources, the attackers, suspected to be armed Berom militia members, inflicted serious injuries on the officer before troops evacuated him to Barkin Ladi General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The attack came hours after troops of Sector 3 and Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace successfully repelled another ambush by suspected armed militia during a military response to attacks on herders and cattle in Jos South LGA.
Military sources said troops had earlier received distress reports of gunfire around the Gero area at about 1:00 p.m. and swiftly mobilised to reinforce personnel already operating in the area.
However, while attempting to link up with advancing troops, the soldiers reportedly came under a coordinated ambush from armed assailants positioned around hills and rocky terrain surrounding the community.
Troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat toward Nyango and Daron communities.
Following the operation, security sources 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 taken for medical treatment.
Sources added that troops had intensified pursuit operations across the affected communities to track down fleeing suspects and prevent further violence.
The latest attacks are part of growing security concerns across Plateau State, where both civilians and security personnel have increasingly come under attack in recent weeks.
In a related development, troops deployed to restore order during unrest linked to illegal mining activities in Mangu LGA were recently attacked by armed youths, leading to the death of a senior Nigerian Army officer.
Troops later conducted follow-up operations during which two suspected attackers were neutralised and weapons recovered.
Security officials said troops have since intensified fighting patrols, stop-and-search operations and confidence-building patrols across volatile communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South and Mangu LGAs.
The patrols covered flashpoints including Jol, Gana Ropp, Kassa Road, Rakung, Katako, Kwok, Dorowa and adjoining communities as part of efforts to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
According to military sources, the overall security situation in the affected areas remains calm but fluid, while troops remain on maximum alert to respond to emerging threats and distress calls.
