OPEP troops rescued four residents injured in a suspected militia attack in Gonifal, Plateau State, and launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have rescued four residents who sustained machete injuries after suspected Fulani militias reportedly attacked members of a community in Gonifal Village, Ganawuri District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The security operation took place on Thursday night, September 17, 2026, following a distress report about an attack on residents of the community.
According to details of the incident, the attack occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m., prompting troops from Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace to move into the area after receiving information about the ongoing violence.
The intervention by the security personnel reportedly disrupted the attackers’ activities and forced them to retreat from the community.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who provided details of the incident, said the troops immediately responded to the situation and subsequently carried out a search operation within the affected area.
During the operation, the troops discovered four residents who had taken refuge inside a house after sustaining injuries in the attack.
The victims were reportedly suffering from machete wounds when they were found by the troops.
The injured residents were identified as Bagu Mabuly, Ngyuk Bagu, Musa Bagu and Chen Bagu.
Following their rescue, the four victims were evacuated from the community and taken to Ganawuri Maternity Clinic for medical attention.
They reportedly received first aid treatment at the health facility as efforts were made to stabilise their condition.
The troops’ intervention also prevented the attackers from remaining in the community for longer, as the suspected assailants reportedly fled the area when security personnel arrived.
Security operatives have now commenced efforts to locate the fleeing attackers.
A manhunt has been launched as troops continue to search the surrounding areas in an attempt to identify and apprehend those responsible for the assault.
The latest development comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Plateau State, particularly in rural communities where residents have faced periodic attacks and communal violence.
Riyom Local Government Area has previously experienced security challenges linked to clashes and attacks involving communities in the wider Plateau region. Such incidents have often resulted in injuries, displacement and destruction of property, prompting calls for stronger security measures and improved protection for vulnerable communities.
In the latest case, however, the immediate intervention of the OPEP troops reportedly enabled the four injured residents to be located and evacuated for medical care.
The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the number of attackers involved and the motive for the assault, were not immediately disclosed in the available report.
There was also no confirmed information on whether any arrests had been made as of the time of reporting.
Security personnel are expected to sustain operations in the area while continuing the search for the suspects who escaped following the troops’ arrival.
Residents in the affected community and neighbouring areas have also been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces in Plateau State to respond to attacks, protect civilians and prevent further escalation of violence in vulnerable communities.
For the four victims, the immediate priority remains their recovery after receiving treatment for the injuries sustained during the incident.
Meanwhile, the continuing manhunt is expected to determine the identities of those responsible for the attack and establish the circumstances that led to the violence in Gonifal Village.