Security operatives nab seven in Plateau’s Qua’an-Pan killings, cattle rustling

A joint security operation under Operation Enduring Peace has arrested seven suspects in connection with the killing of residents and the rustling of cattle in Bong/Kook village, Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Sources gathered by Zagazola Makama revealed that the arrests took place on January 4 at about 9:30 p.m. at Namu, while the suspects were reportedly attempting to flee to Nasarawa State.

The operation involved a coordinated effort by the police, Operation Enduring Peace, and local hunters.

“The suspects include both the masterminds and those who directly carried out the attack in Kook village,” sources said.

The incident occurred in the early hours of January 2, when armed men invaded Bong/Kook village in Doemak District, killing residents and rustling cattle.

The Plateau State Police Command had earlier confirmed that at least seven people were killed, several others injured, and two attackers neutralised during a security pursuit.

According to security sources, a combined team of soldiers, police, NSCDC operatives, and local vigilantes pursued the attackers, who allegedly killed residents to cover their escape before abandoning the stolen cattle.

Preliminary investigations linked the attack to criminal cattle rustlers rather than ethnic or religious motives.

The rustled cows were recovered, and security presence has been strengthened across the area to prevent further incidents.

Zagazola Makama noted that the arrests of the seven suspects received limited media attention, reflecting a selective narrative in reporting violence in Plateau State.

Unlike other attacks often attributed to Fulani herders, this incident involved local perpetrators, and the victims were not linked to pastoral communities, leading to muted public and international reactions.