Plateau govt disburses N1.5bn to 1,500 attack victims

Troops thwarted a suspected Fulani militia attack in retaliation for the killing of a local pastor in Plateau State on September 20, 2026. The incident took place at Marit Junction in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area around 8 pm. Initially, troops responded to reports of an attack on two locals, discovering that Rev. Andy Samuel, a 53-year-old pastor, had been fatally shot.

The second victim received medical treatment at General Hospital. Military sources informed security analyst Zagazola Makama that attackers, believed to be Fulani militias, had launched a reprisal attack following recent violence in nearby communities. Reinforcements from Sector 8, air support from Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano aircraft, and multiple force enhancements joined the troops to repel the assailants and prevent the violence from spreading.

Troops are now maintaining control of the area and conducting patrols to ensure security and deter further attacks. Authorities are encouraging residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to help avert retaliatory violence.