Two suspected Fulani herders have been found dead at separate locations in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State, days after they were reported missing.
Gatekeepers News reports that one of the victims, identified as Suleiman Haruna, was reportedly found beheaded in the Gyambwas Rigi area of Mangu LGA on Monday morning.
According to a report by Zagazola Makama, cited by TheCable, Haruna was declared missing on Saturday, October 31, alongside 33 cattle suspected to have been rustled by members of the Mwaghavul militia in the area.
The discovery of his body prompted a visit by the commander of Sub-Sector 81, the divisional crime officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Gindiri Division, the chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and community and religious leaders.
During the visit, members of the Fulani community were urged not to resort to reprisal attacks over the killing.
Security agencies also appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist in identifying and arresting those responsible.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace discovered the body of another missing herder, identified as 40-year-old Mallam Shagari Hamidu, in a mountainous area of Matelem village, Bokkos LGA.
Hamidu was reportedly declared missing following an attack by suspected Berom militia at Jirong village in the Mushere Central District of Bokkos.
Troops of Sector 5, working with the victim’s relatives, conducted a search operation which led to the discovery of his body at about 8:40am on Sunday.
His remains were subsequently recovered and handed over to his relatives for burial.
Security operatives have continued operations in the affected areas to prevent further security breaches and maintain peace.
