Tragic Attack in Plateau State Leaves 27 Farmers Dead
A devastating attack has left at least 27 farmers, including both men and women, dead in the Bindi-Jebbu area of the Tahoss community within the Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. The incident occurred on Monday, sending shockwaves through the local population and raising serious concerns about security in the region.
According to reports from villagers, the attack resulted in multiple injuries, with several victims being rushed to nearby hospitals, including the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Hospital. Despite the severity of the situation, the exact number of casualties remains unclear as of the latest updates.
The chairman of the Riyom LGA, Bature Sati Shuwa, confirmed the occurrence of the attack but was unable to provide an official casualty count, stating that he was en route to the affected community. Meanwhile, security agencies such as Operation Safe Haven and the state police command have yet to issue any public statements regarding the event.
Correspondents attempted to reach out to spokespersons from Operation Safe Haven and the state police command, including Major Samson Zhakom and DSP Alabo Alfred, respectively. However, no responses were received as of press time.
Despite the lack of official communication, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Dalyop Solomon, confirmed the killings to PUNCH Metro in Jos on Tuesday. He reported that the attackers, believed to be members of the Fulani ethnic group, stormed the community, firing randomly and setting several homes ablaze.
“Twenty-seven individuals were killed, and many others were injured. We have transported the bodies to various hospitals before the burial,” Solomon stated. He added that all the deceased had been placed in morgues, with a date for their burial to be announced soon.
This tragic incident has once again brought attention to the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State, where communities have increasingly become targets of armed groups. The attack has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many demanding stronger measures to protect the lives and properties of citizens.
In response to these threats, the Plateau State Government recently recruited 150 new agro-rangers as part of its efforts to enhance security across the state.
Condemnation and Calls for Accountability
In a statement released later on Tuesday evening, the Secretary General of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Bature Iliya Adazaram, and the National President, Solomon Dalyop, condemned the attack. They attributed the violence to armed Fulani groups from areas such as Bangai-Fulani and Ganawuri.
According to the youth group, the attack took place between 4:00 am and 6:00 am on Tuesday. They also alleged that some security agents may have been complicit in facilitating the attack.
The association expressed disappointment in the reinforcement team’s failure to act, despite having prior knowledge of the planned assault. They criticized the inaction of the security forces, claiming that the massacre continued until 6:00 am.
“The events in Jebu this morning are a typical example of Fulani crimes against humanity, deliberately carried out under the watchful eyes of certain security agents who are said to have been compromised by collusion with the attackers,” the statement read.
During an on-the-spot assessment at the attack site, eyewitnesses praised the Unit Commander of Operation Safe Haven stationed at Sopp for their bravery in repelling the attackers. However, they also expressed a loss of confidence in the reinforcement team from Operation Safe Haven, which was seen stationed by the roadside during the incident.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the attack and the steps that will be taken to ensure the safety of its people in the future.
