One Killed, Two Injured in Attack on Herders by Berom Militia in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama 

One herder was killed and two others sustained gunshot injuries following an attack by Berom Militia in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, prompting calls for justice and renewed efforts to prevent further violence in the area.

Security sources said troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to a distress call at about 4:00 p.m. on June 18 following reports of an attack on Fulani herders in a bush area around Torok Community in Rim District of Riyom LGA.

According to the sources, troops of Sector 6 were immediately deployed to the scene.

Upon arrival, the troops discovered the corpse of a Fulani man identified as Abdul Samaila, while two other victims were found with gunshot wounds.

The injured victims were evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while troops commenced domination patrols and a manhunt for the attackers, who had fled before the arrival of security personnel.

“The troops responded promptly to the report and found one victim dead and two others injured. The wounded victims were evacuated for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators,” a security source said.

Meanwhile, the Fulani Community in Riyom Local Government Area has condemned the attack, describing it as tragic and unfortunate.

In a statement issued on Friday, community leaders alleged that the victims were attacked by armed persons while grazing in the Torok area.

The community identified the deceased as Abdurrahman Ibrahim, 25, from Bangai settlement, while the injured victims were named as Abbas Saidu, 18, and Bashiru Rabi’u, 15.

The statement expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

The community called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, arrest those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It also appealed to the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders and security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting lives and property across the state.

According to the statement, justice and accountability remain critical to ending recurring cycles of violence and reprisals in communities within Riyom and other parts of Plateau State.

The community further urged its members to remain calm and avoid any form of retaliation, stressing the need to allow security agencies and relevant authorities to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

Residents of the area said the latest incident has heightened concerns over security in parts of Riyom, which has witnessed periodic tensions and attacks involving farming and herding communities over the years.

Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those behind the attack and maintain peace in the affected communities.

The incident is the latest in a series of security challenges confronting parts of Plateau State, where authorities continue to advocate dialogue, peaceful coexistence and adherence to the rule of law as means of resolving disputes.