A peace meeting between residents and members of the Fulani community in Pankshin Local Government Area turned deadly on Thursday, leaving one person dead and five others injured.
The incident occurred around 3 pm on May 7 in Mier village, according to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama. Troops from Sector 8 of Operation Enduring Peace had organized the gathering to ease tensions between farming and herding communities following recent clashes, cattle rustling, and reprisal attacks in parts of Plateau State.
The meeting started peacefully but descended into chaos when some youths allegedly tried to seize rifles from two soldiers providing security. A security source said the situation turned violent when the youths moved aggressively toward the troops in an attempt to disarm them.
During the struggle, one soldier fired in self-defence to prevent the crowd from overpowering the troops. One resident sustained fatal injuries and died later, while four civilians and one soldier were wounded. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, and the deceased’s body was deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Pankshin.
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Security reinforcements were deployed to restore calm, and four youths accused of attacking the soldiers were arrested. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Plateau State, where troops of Operation Enduring Peace continue patrols, peace engagements, and intelligence operations to curb banditry and communal violence.
Military officials and community leaders have urged residents to avoid taking the law into their hands and to cooperate with security agencies.
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