A 47-year-old farmer, Samuel Tsok, has been reportedly killed by gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits who invaded the Duru-Kamang community in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State in the early hours of Saturday.
The attackers were also said to have rustled over 50 cows belonging to the deceased after carrying out the attack.
Residents described the incident as a targeted assault on the farmer, who was known to own hundreds of livestock in the community.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth-Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, said Tsok was allegedly shot dead while trying to investigate suspicious movements behind his residence.
According to Tengwong, the attack highlighted the persistent insecurity confronting communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa and other parts of Plateau State.
“The Berom Youth-Moulders Association (BYM), under the leadership of Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri strongly condemns the gruesome attack carried out by armed Fulani terrorists on the Duru-Kamang community in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Friday night which resulted in the killing of an innocent citizen, Mr. Samuel Tsok, and the rustling of livestock,” he said.
Tengwong explained that the victim had reportedly noticed unusual footsteps behind his house and stepped outside to ascertain the situation.
“The unfortunate incident occurred at about the time the victim reportedly noticed suspicious movements behind his residence and stepped out to ascertain what was happening,” he stated.
“The attempt to check the source of the disturbance behind his house proved fatal for the victim as he was allegedly shot dead on getting to his backyard.
“It was glaring that the attackers used that to draw him out of his house. He didn’t know that at the time, the marauders were busy stealing his cows. Over 50 cows belonging to Tsok were rustled by the Fulani bandits,” Tengwong added.
He described the killing as another disturbing reminder of the worsening security situation in Plateau communities, stressing that it was unacceptable for peaceful residents to continue living in fear while criminal elements attacked communities and destroyed livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the attack.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, in a brief statement on Saturday, said the command had commenced investigation into the incident with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and recovering the stolen livestock.
