No fewer than 27 farmers, including men and women, have been reportedly killed in a fresh attack by terrorists in Bindi-Jebbu of the Tahoss community in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The villagers reported that the attack on Monday left several people injured, with many rushed to facilities such as Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Hospital.
The chairman of Riyom Local Government Area, Bature Shuwa, confirmed the incident but could not provide a casualty figure at press time, stating that he was on his way to the attacked community.
Dalyop Solomon, the national president of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, also confirmed the killings to reporters.
According to him, the gunmen, who are presumed to be Fulani, assaulted the village, firing intermittently and setting fire to many houses.
“27 persons were killed, and many were injured. We have taken the bodies to different hospitals before the burial,” Solomon said.
The National President stated that all remains had been deposited to hospitals and that a date for burial would be set.
Security services, including Operation Safe Haven and the state police command, have yet to publish a statement regarding the situation.
When reached, Major Samson Zhakom and DSP Alabo Alfred, spokespersons for Operation Safe Haven and the Plateau police command, did not react to text messages provided to them by our correspondent at press time.
The attack has once again highlighted Plateau State’s security challenges, since armed groups have recently targeted villages there.
The tragedy has aroused fear and outrage, with many advocating for enhanced security to protect citizens’ lives and property.
The Plateau State administration recruited 150 new agro-rangers this week as part of its efforts to solve the state’s security challenges.
