10 killed in fresh Plateau attack linked to cattle rustling, farm destruction

At least 10 people have been killed and several cows rustled in renewed violence in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The recent escalation of violence in Riyom stems from farm destruction, cattle rustling, and attacks on livestock carried out by individuals from both Fulani and Berom communities.

According to a statement from Operation Safe Haven, the recent insecurity in the council area began on Monday, May 12, 2025, when suspected youths slaughtered and rustled cattle that had encroached on their farms in Dayan village, Riyom Local Government Area.

In retaliation, suspected Fulani herders attacked Danchindo village on the evening of May 13, killing four people before fleeing ahead of security operatives’ arrival.

On May 14, 26 cows were killed and several others injured in the Darwat community, allegedly in reprisal for the earlier killings of locals. Later that day, suspected Fulani militias retaliated by attacking an isolated settlement near the Wereng Kam community, killing six locals.

Upon receiving reports of rising tensions in Riyom, officers of the Joint Security Task Force engaged community representatives to broker peace and warned against actions that could further destabilise the fragile situation.

In response to allegations of cattle rustling and slaughtering, one suspect has been arrested and is currently under investigation, while 130 cows have been recovered and returned to their owners.

The statement added that the troops’ swift response prevented the assailants from completely burning down Wereng village. A mop-up operation was launched to neutralise fleeing militants, as troops continue to maintain a strong presence to restore order.

Major General Folusho Oyinlola, commander of Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, visited the area and met with stakeholders and community leaders. Normalcy has returned, supported by the presence of security operatives working to maintain law and order.

This Riyom incident is coming four days after five traders who are residents of Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State were abducted during a bandits’ attack on a market in the area.

The incident occurred on Monday morning, the market day, with an influx of traders and buyers from neighbouring communities conducting business activities.

According to residents who escaped the onslaught, the invaders came in large numbers on motorcycles at the peak of business transactions.

They shot sporadically as traders and residents scampered to safety, forcing people to flee the market and their homes.

In the past few months, hundreds of people have been killed and many more displaced after gunmen attacked several communities in the North-Central state.

In the wake of the renewed attacks, Governor Caleb Muftwang labelled them genocidal and an attempt at land grabbing.