A 25-year-old Fulani man, Yakubu Salisu, was killed on Saturday in Tenti village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what authorities say may be connected to rising tensions between farmers and herders in the area. In a separate incident the same day, six cows were poisoned in Kwi village in Riyom LGA, further heightening fears of renewed violence in the state.
The killing and the livestock poisoning have deepened concerns about the fragile peace in Plateau, a state that has struggled for years with conflicts involving farmers, herders, and local communities. The attacks come at a time when residents and security officials have been calling for calm and dialogue to prevent clashes from escalating.
According to local sources, Salisu was stabbed in the back by unidentified assailants believed to be locals from Bokkos. He died instantly at the scene before help could reach him. His killing reportedly followed an earlier confrontation between a farmer, 28-year-old Josiah Joshua, and a group of herders on his farm. Joshua was said to have sustained injuries during the encounter and later mobilised friends, which allegedly led to Salisu’s death.
Police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, took photographs, and documented all evidence before releasing Salisu’s body to his relatives for burial according to Islamic rites. Security officials say investigations are ongoing to arrest all those involved in the attack.
Plateau State has experienced years of tension between farming communities and herders, especially in areas like Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu. These tensions often arise from disputes over land, destruction of crops, grazing routes, and access to water. Many of these conflicts have turned violent, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.
Although various efforts have been made by government and traditional leaders to restore peace—including peace dialogues, early warning systems, and community engagement—many communities still remain on edge. Any incident, no matter how small, often raises fears that the situation may escalate into a larger conflict.
In the separate incident in Kwi village, Riyom LGA, six cows belonging to local herders were reportedly poisoned by unknown persons. Authorities say there was no clear provocation or confrontation preceding the poisoning, making the motive unclear.
Residents of Kwi village said they woke up to find the animals dead, prompting fears of reprisal attacks. Security agencies moved into the area to prevent further tension and assured residents that the matter was being investigated.
Local leaders have been appealing for calm, warning that attacks on livestock often trigger angry reactions that can escalate into deadly cycles of violence. In many rural communities, cattle are not only a source of income but also a symbol of identity and livelihood, making such attacks particularly sensitive.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed both incidents and said investigations were ongoing. The police encouraged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands while efforts to track down the perpetrators continue.
A senior security official in the state highlighted that retaliatory attacks only deepen divisions and worsen the cycle of violence. “We urge all communities to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and avoid any form of reprisal,” he said. “The command is working closely with community leaders to ensure peace is maintained.”
He also noted that the state has seen several similar clashes recently, especially during the dry season when grazing lands become limited, increasing contact between farmers and herders.
Residents in both Bokkos and Riyom LGAs say they fear that the latest incidents could trigger fresh clashes if authorities do not act quickly. Many community members recall previous years when small disputes escalated into large-scale attacks that displaced entire villages.
A Fulani community leader in Bokkos condemned the killing of Salisu, calling it a “senseless act” that must be fully investigated. He urged security agencies to ensure justice is done to prevent mistrust and anger from growing among community members.
Similarly, a youth leader in Kwi village expressed concern over the poisoning of the cows. “This is not the time for violence,” he said. “We need security and dialogue. If we allow anger to guide us, things will get out of hand again.”
Human rights organizations and peace-building groups working in Plateau have also reacted to the incidents. They called for urgent intervention from state authorities to prevent more violence and encouraged communities to engage in dialogue rather than retaliation.
Conflict-resolution groups working in villages across Bokkos and Riyom say they are already in contact with traditional leaders and community representatives to calm tensions.
