A fresh wave of violence has gripped Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, as suspected Fulani militias attacked mourners transporting the bodies of two victims killed in a previous attack, resulting in one more death and several injuries on Thursday. The incident, which occurred in the Ta-Hoss District, has heightened fears of escalating insecurity in the region and prompted strong condemnation from community leaders.
The President of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, confirmed the attacks in a statement issued on Friday morning. He revealed that on Wednesday night, around 9:20 p.m., armed bandits invaded Sol village in Ta-Hoss, killing two Berom youths identified as Davou Dalyop Patu and Dalyop Zaram. The brutal killings sent shockwaves through the community, plunging residents into deep mourning.
The following day, while mourners were transporting the bodies to the Riyom General Hospital mortuary, they were ambushed by the same or similar armed groups. The attackers opened fire, killing one man named Toma Chuwang and injuring several others. Mwantiri noted that after the initial attack, the assailants retreated to a nearby Fulani settlement in Kwakwi, Ganawuri District, which is suspected to be a hideout for armed criminal gangs.
Mwantiri condemned the attacks as part of a growing pattern of terrorism and banditry in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State. He urged security agencies to intensify operations and conduct a comprehensive crackdown on armed groups terrorizing innocent communities. He also raised concerns that criminal elements from Barkin Ladi LGA may have shifted their operations to Riyom due to ongoing security crackdowns by the Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies in the area.
In addition to the violent attacks, BYM expressed alarm over the continued destruction of farmlands through indiscriminate grazing in Gassa/Kassa communities of Ropp District, Barkin Ladi LGA. The association warned that such actions threaten the livelihoods of local farmers and worsen insecurity and economic hardship.
BYM is calling on the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, and all security agencies to deploy additional forces to Riyom LGA to prevent the area from becoming a safe haven for criminals. The group also appeals to international partners and development agencies to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism, especially in the Middle Belt region.
Residents in Riyom LGA, Gyel District of Jos South LGA, and other vulnerable areas are urged to remain vigilant and report credible intelligence to security agencies, including Operation Enduring Peace, to help prevent future attacks. The situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated, sustained security efforts to restore peace and protect lives in Plateau State.
Leave a Comment