Four Individuals, Including Farmers and a Herder, Lose Lives in Plateau State Attacks

Reports indicate that at least four individuals, consisting of three farmers and one herder, have been killed in separate violent incidents within Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State. These recent fatalities follow closely on the heels of a presidential visit aimed at addressing escalating insecurity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had visited the state three days prior to these latest attacks, following a violent incident in the Anguwan Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area where 28 people lost their lives. During his visit, the President had made assurances that such acts of violence would cease.

Confirmation of the latest casualties came from leaders of the Berom Youth Moulders Association and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). They reported that the farmers were killed on Sunday night in Pwomol village, Heipang District, Barkin Ladi LGA. The herder was killed on Monday morning in the Jol community of Riyom LGA.

Both the Berom and Fulani groups have publicly accused each other of being responsible for the deaths of their members.

Rwang Tengwong, the spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders Association, detailed that the attack on the farmers targeted youths who were on vigilante duty in the village. He also mentioned that one additional person sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.

Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, the National President of the BYM, strongly condemned the incident and urged security agencies to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation.

"The BYM commends the prompt response from the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, and calls upon residents in the affected areas to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities," the statement read.

The Berom Youth Moulders Association reiterated its dedication to safeguarding lives and seeking justice for victims of violent assaults across Berom land and beyond.

Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), provided details about the death of their member. He confirmed that the herder was ambushed with his younger brother, who managed to escape. The deceased was reportedly shot and killed as they were en route to a neighbouring community.

"I personally reported the incident to the DSS and the commander of Operation Safe Haven. We retrieved the body from Sector 6, Makera, Riyom LGA," Babayo added.

Tengwong, refuting the accusations, stated, "I cannot confirm that, as we are unaware of any attack against the Fulani, unless those injured later succumbed to their wounds because they left with casualties."

In response, Babayo also denied any involvement in attacks on the Berom community, saying, "We do not know who attacked them because our people would not go and attack others."

Captain Polycap Oteh, the spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, when contacted for comment on the unfolding situation, stated that he would provide a response after obtaining further details, but had not done so by the time of this report.

This newspaper recalls that last Wednesday, four people, including two farmers and two herders, were killed in the Ban, Gero, and Du’a communities located in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs.

Furthermore, on Friday night, three farmers were killed, and another was injured in Nyamgo Gyel, a community within Jos South LGA.