Four Killed In Fresh Plateau Attacks Days After Tinubu’s Visit

No fewer than four persons, including three farmers and a herder, have been killed in separate attacks in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

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The killings occurred just three days after President Bola Tinubu visited the state following the deadly attack on the Anguwan Rukuba community in Jos North LGA, where 28 persons were killed.

During the visit, the President had vowed that such violent attacks would not recur.

The leadership of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) confirmed that three farmers were killed on Sunday night in Pwomol village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA.

According to the group’s spokesperson, Rwang Tengwong, the attackers targeted vigilante youths who were guarding the community.

He added that one other resident sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

The National President of BYM, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, condemned the incident and called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.

The group said, “BYM commended the swift intervention of the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, and urged residents of the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.

“The Berom Youth Moulders-Association remains committed to the protection of lives and the pursuit of justice for victims of violent attacks across Berom land and beyond.”

In a related incident, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) confirmed the killing of a herder in the Jol community of Riyom LGA on Monday morning.

The state chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said the victim was ambushed while travelling with his younger brother.

“The deceased was ambushed alongside his younger brother, but the young man escaped. They gunned him down. They were heading to a nearby community when suddenly they were attacked,”

Babayo said.

He added that the body of the victim was later recovered from Sector 6, Makera, Riyom LGA.

“I personally reported the incident to DSS and the commander of Operation Safe Haven. We recovered the body from Sector 6, Makera, Riyom LGA,” he stated.

Groups Trade Accusations

Both the Berom and the Fulani groups have traded accusations over the killings.

However, Tengwong denied allegations that Berom youths attacked Fulani herders.

“I cannot confirm that, because we are not aware of any attack against the Fulani, except if those who were injured died later because they left with casualties,” he said.

On the other hand, Babayo also rejected claims that Fulani herders attacked the Berom community.

“We don’t know who attacked them because our people wouldn’t go and attack other people,” he said.

Last Wednesday, four persons, including two farmers and two herders, were killed in Ban, Gero and Du’a communities of Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs.

Similarly, three farmers were killed, and another was injured on Friday night in Nyamgo Gyel community in Jos South LGA, raising fresh concerns over security in the state.