Four children were killed during an attack in Dorong village in Plateau State, shedding light on the ongoing insecurity issues in the region. The victims, identified as Precious Joshuah, Isa’ac Joshuah, Mary Joshuah, and Eve Sambo, were reported to have been murdered during an early morning.
Residents and officials confirmed the incident, which raised concerns over the safety of rural communities in Plateau, where violence linked to land disputes, grazing conflicts, and identity issues persisted despite government efforts.
With security authorities in the state keeping mum on the incident, George Lambert, media aide to the member representing Barkin Ladi Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, confirmed the attackers to be suspected herders.
Recurrent Violence in Plateau
Violence in Plateau State has been a historical crisis, dating back to 1994, with thousands of lives lost in ethno-religious conflicts and disputes between herders and farmers.
Recent years have seen a surge in deadly attacks, including the killing of over 40 people in Hurti community and multiple incidents in Barkin Ladi and Bassa local government areas.
Despite promises from authorities to address the conflicts, communities continue to face threats from armed groups, with numerous residents displaced.
Recent Incidents and Patterns
The attack in Dorong is part of a disturbing pattern where assailants often flee before security forces arrive, making it difficult to apprehend those responsible.
Other recent attacks have resulted in fatalities and displacement, with some incidents involving the killing of entire families or multiple individuals at once. Recall that seven members of a single family were murdered in Barkin Ladi in a similar bloodshed.
Residents and civil society groups have continually urged both the federal and state governments to take decisive measures to improve security.
The persistent violence underscored the need for sustained efforts in policing, conflict resolution, and addressing root causes such as competition over land and resources.
The ongoing insecurity remained a significant challenge for peacebuilding and development efforts in Plateau State.
The tragic loss of four children in Dorong highlighted the fragile peace in Plateau, where violence symbolises a daily reality for many rural communities.
Efforts to restore stability continue to face obstacles, underscoring the importance of improved security and meaningful government intervention to prevent further occurrences.