At least four persons, including three farmers and a herder, have been reported dead following separate violent incidents in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State.
According to both groups, the farmers were killed on Sunday night in Pwomol village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA. The herder lost his life on Monday morning in the Jol community, Riyom LGA.
BYM spokesperson Rwang Tengwong said the attack specifically targeted vigilante youths tasked with guarding the village. He added that another individual was injured and is currently receiving medical care.
Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, National President of BYM, condemned the attacks and urged security agencies to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation.
“BYM commended the swift intervention of the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, and urged residents of the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies,” he said.
Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, Plateau State chairman of MACBAN, recounted the killing of their member, stating, “The deceased was ambushed alongside his younger brother, but the young man escaped. They gunned him down. “They were heading to a nearby community when suddenly they were attacked. I personally reported the incident to DSS and the commander of Operation Safe Haven. We recovered the body from Sector 6, Makera, Riyom LGA.”
Responding to accusations of reprisal attacks, Tengwong said, “I cannot confirm that, because we are not aware of any attack against the Fulani, except if those who were injured died later because they left with casualties.”
Similarly, Babayo denied any involvement of Fulani herders in attacks on Berom communities, adding, “We don’t know who attacked them because our people wouldn’t go and attack other people.”