At least 10 people have been confirmed dead following a wave of renewed violence in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, triggered by a cycle of cattle rustling, farm destruction, and retaliatory attacks between Fulani herders and Berom farmers.
According to a statement released by Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the crisis began on Monday, May 12, 2025, when youths in Dayan village allegedly slaughtered and rustled cattle that had strayed into their farms. In retaliation, suspected Fulani herders launched an attack on Danchindo village the following day, killing four people before fleeing.
The situation escalated on Wednesday, May 14, with another reprisal attack in Darwat community where 26 cows were reportedly killed. Later the same day, suspected Fulani militias struck an isolated settlement near Wereng Kam, killing six more people.
Security forces under Operation Safe Haven quickly moved in to prevent further bloodshed. One suspect was arrested in connection with the rustling, while 130 cows were recovered and returned to their owners. Troops also thwarted an attempt to burn down Wereng village and have continued mop-up operations to pursue the fleeing assailants.
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Commander of Operation Safe Haven and GOC 3 Division, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, visited the affected communities and engaged with local leaders in a bid to restore peace. Security presence in the area remains high, and authorities say calm has returned for now.
This latest outbreak comes just four days after five traders from Dogon Ruwa in Bashar District of Wase LGA were abducted during a market-day attack by armed bandits.
Governor Caleb Muftwang has condemned the violence, describing it as genocidal and part of an ongoing effort to forcefully seize ancestral lands. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens and holding perpetrators accountable.
Plateau State has seen repeated communal violence in recent months, with hundreds killed and scores displaced as attackers continue to raid rural settlements across the North-Central state.