By Muhammad Tanko Shittu — A 16-year-old herder, Abubakar Abdullahi, has been killed, while another, Usaini Langai, was injured in an alleged security operation in Tafawa community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Several houses were also reportedly burnt, while some cattle were killed and others injured during the incident.
Members of the herding community alleged that security operatives stormed the area at about 4 a.m. on Saturday and opened fire on residents while they were sleeping.
Mr Usaini, who survived the incident, alleged that the operatives took him and the deceased out of their room before killing Abubakar.
“We were sleeping in the room at night when soldiers stormed in, brought us out and killed my colleague instantly. They burnt houses and killed some cattle.
“They started moving with me and later shot me twice and abandoned me there. Soon after, some residents who heard my cry came and evacuated me to the hospital in Barkin Ladi,” he said.
The father of the deceased also accused the security operatives of killing his son without provocation.
He said the operatives stormed the community at about 4 a.m., forcing residents to flee for safety before encountering the two teenage herders.
“After bringing him outside, they killed him for no offence. They opened fire at our houses.
“They went with the other herder and shot him twice in the back, believing that he had died, but luckily we took him to the hospital for treatment.
“They killed some cattle and injured others. This is unjust because nothing has happened around this area that would warrant them invading the community,” he said.
