Three Killed in Fresh Attack by Fulani Bandits on Riyom Plateau as tit for tat continues
By: Zagazola Makama
Three persons have been killed following a late-night attack on Gwa Rim village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by suspected militia members.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 8 when troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), earlier deployed to Angwan Wereng following a security threat alert, responded to reports of sporadic gunfire around the community.
According to the sources, troops swiftly mobilised to the area after receiving distress calls from residents over the shootings.
“On arrival at the scene, troops discovered three locals already killed by the attackers who fled on sighting the advancing security personnel,” a military source said.
The deceased were identified as Alpha David, Matthew Solomon and Timothy Dachung.
Military sources disclosed that troops immediately dominated the area and commenced operations aimed at tracking and apprehending the fleeing attackers to prevent further violence.
However, tension reportedly escalated shortly after the incident as some youths in the community became hostile and resisted attempts by troops to evacuate the corpses to the mortuary.
The latest incident is part of renewed attacks related to livestock theft and attack on Fulani in Riyom by Berom Militia.
Reprisal violence have also been recorded across parts of Plateau State in recent weeks, particularly in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and Mangu Local Government Areas.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intensified patrols, rapid response operations and intelligence-driven missions across vulnerable communities to contain the security situation and prevent further attacks.
