8 killed, houses burnt in fresh Plateau attack
No fewer than eight people, including women, were reportedly killed on Wednesday night in an attack on Wereng Camp community in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. The assault, which residents described as unprovoked, came just hours after more than 100 cattle and a herder were allegedly killed in separate incidents in Gero and Darwat communities […]
No fewer than eight people, including women, were reportedly killed on Wednesday night in an attack on Wereng Camp community in Riyom LGA of Plateau State.
The assault, which residents described as unprovoked, came just hours after more than 100 cattle and a herder were allegedly killed in separate incidents in Gero and Darwat communities in Jos South and Riyom LGAs.
According to locals, the attackers stormed Wereng Camp around 7pm, firing sporadically while many of the people were asleep. One person was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, while over 20 houses were razed and food items looted.
Solomon Bulus, a resident, described the attack as “devastating,” saying, “The gunmen were many. Some of us were sleeping, others were outside when they attacked.”
Dalyop Solomon, President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), confirmed the attack and accused suspected Fulani militias of being responsible.
He claimed over 200 armed men from nearby settlements attacked the village, killing eight people and burning all homes in two hours of uninterrupted gunfire.
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Responding to the allegations, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau State, denied any involvement.
“They killed over 100 of our cattle and attacked our members, yet now they claim to be victims,” he said.
Army chief meets stakeholders
In response to rising tensions, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Abdulsalam Oyinlola, convened a peace meeting with stakeholders from Riyom and Jos South.
General Oyinlola decried the destruction of farms and cattle rustling, warning that such actions escalate the conflict.
He called for stronger community-based conflict resolution mechanisms and urged traditional and religious leaders to lead dialogue efforts.
While advocating for non-violent conflict resolution, he reaffirmed that troops would continue targeting criminal elements.
He also urged the LGAs to establish accurate biometric records to monitor undocumented individuals who may pose security risks.
Local government chairmen from Riyom and Jos South, along with traditional and youth leaders, condemned the cyclical violence and emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups.
They called for improved judicial enforcement to deter future attacks and urged the use of technology to track and expose perpetrators.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Community Relations, reassured citizens of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He appealed for unity, urging residents to put aside bitterness and collectively fight insecurity.
Accusations and counter-accusations between herders and farmers continue to frustrate peace efforts.
Despite several peace meetings and visits by top national security officials, the crisis remains unresolved.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to restore peace.